Matador Network's Blog, page 662
April 28, 2021
Share a barn in the English countryside with an adorable Shetland pony on Airbnb
An Airbnb in the English countryside is offering guests an unlikely roommate — a miniature Shetland pony named Basil. “Basil’s Place” is a 17th-century farm-turned-Airbnb in the village of Thurgarton in Nottinghamshire.
Photo: Airbnb
The house on the premises is cozy and decorated with wooden country furniture, with the bedroom directly connected to Basil’s stable. The listing’s description encourages visitors to “fuss” with Basil and “give him cuddles.” The host also notes that bookings this spring will treat guests with the company of the farm’s baby lambs, Sir Lambsalot and Sir Lambsalittle. The other animals on the farm include a herd of Highland cows, Hebridean sheep, horses, chickens, and Norwegian forest cats.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy views over the pristine English countryside, have a barbecue at the open outdoor log fire, hang out at the on-site tiki hut, and stroll around 60 acres of farmland. Guests are not required to take care of Basil for the duration of their stay, as the host makes sure he gets plenty of exercise.
Photo: Airbnb
This listing is one of the many unusual Airbnbs that are available on the booking site. Recently, a pair of YouTube pranksters listed an opulent dollhouse as a stunt and collected a whopping $3,000 in bookings. “Basil’s Place,” however, is fully verified with over 25 raving reviews from previous guests. 
The post Share a barn in the English countryside with an adorable Shetland pony on Airbnb appeared first on Matador Network.
Are coworking spaces worth it or a waste of money?
At first glance, coworking spaces sound straightforward and uncontroversial. They’re essentially offices designed for remote workers, furnished with desks, Wi-Fi, receptionists, and sometimes even free refreshments. Remote workers from a variety of industries can rent these spaces on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Basically, it attempts to simulate a real office environment for people who aren’t actually required to work in an office.
The spaces can be a boon for an ever-growing number of workers who aren’t tied to a traditional office space. Some simply feel more productive in an office. Others might be attracted to the social dynamic, which you don’t get by working from your living room in your pajamas. As remote work itself rises in popularity, so too are coworking spaces in cities and countries around the world, from the United States to Bali, Indonesia. But are they a scam?
This seemingly simple concept is more complicated than it may appear. Sure, coworking spaces are versatile, but they’re also incredibly expensive for what you’re actually getting (a desk and some coffee, or beer on tap if you really splurge on a spot). For some, the cost is totally worth the professional atmosphere and social benefits. For others, the whole business model feels like a rip-off. To settle the debate, two members of the Matador Network team — senior staff writer Eben Diskin, who’s against coworking spaces, and editor Tim Wenger, who’s for them — squared off on the issue. Both work remotely and travel extensively, but take wildly different views on coworking spaces.
Against: Coworking spaces are a scamPaying for a coworking space is like driving 10 minutes and paying 25 cents for a public restroom instead of just using the one in your apartment. Sure, it gets you out of the house. It’s a change of scenery. Maybe the public bathroom even has some fancy soap dispensers with that soft-foam stuff that smells like fresh mango. But the fact remains that you’re commuting and paying 25 cents for a service you can get for free without even getting dressed.
As a location-independent worker, I’ve considered coworking spaces on several occasions. Each time, I come to the same conclusion: They’re too expensive, aren’t conducive to productivity, and defeat the whole point of being a remote worker in the first place.
For: Coworking spaces are inspiring
Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
Coworking isn’t for the glass-half-empty types who cast a questioning eye on the good nature of strangers and on even the slightest hint of change or progress. In short, coworking is not for pajama-clad living room warriors who prefer to keep the video off on Zoom calls and who don’t take advantage of their location independent privileges.
It’s instead for the big-picture thinkers who always know there’s a little bit more out there than what they’re currently getting. The modern world of work increasingly relies on contractors, small-time entrepreneurs, and freelancers to conduct tasks previously done in-house by staff at large companies.
Thing is, working on a contract basis can be isolating. Same goes for working for a remote company with team members distributed around the country or even the globe. Surrounding yourself with others in a similar situation can make all the difference in staying motivated. Without the established and visible corporate ladder to climb, it can often seem like you’re moving horizontally rather than vertically. Call me crazy, but I take a lot more inspiration from seeing other people kick ass at what they do than I do from secluding myself at home and getting FOMO from social media.
Against: It’s a glorified coffee shopThe only difference between a coworking space and a coffee shop is that coworking spaces smell like Febreze rather than french vanilla. Oh, and it costs about $200 more for a table. I certainly identify with the urge to get out of the house and work in a more public, social environment. That’s why I go to coffee shops. For $4.50 I can get a large coffee, blueberry muffin, Wi-Fi, and a “dedicated workstation” where I can sit until the place closes.
By contrast, one coworking space in my city charges $200 per month for a “shared desk,” $300 for your own personal desk, and offers private offices for up to $1,500 per month. That $1,500 can buy you approximately 600 blueberry muffins. I’ll let you decide where your money is better spent.
For: Coworking represents the future of smart city designOne of the primary arguments against coworking is the necessity to “drive to an office.” The people who make that argument sound like they’re stuck in the suburbs of the ’90s, when the slightest inkling of want required a 15-minute slog up a six-lane “neighborhood thoroughfare” to get to the nearest restaurant or strip mall. Depending on where you live, especially for people outside a city center, coworking may not be the most convenient option for you. Still, spaces are increasingly common in the suburbs and in smaller cities and towns.
The vision of the coworking space isn’t only about the coworking itself. It’s that it represents a small part of what modern urbanism should be. You shouldn’t have to drive 40 minutes in rush hour traffic from the suburbs to the city center to go to work, and I concede that doing that as a remote worker defeats the entire purpose of remote work. Instead, you should be able to walk — or better yet, hop on a bike or public transit — to a coworking space (or wherever you work) within a reasonable distance from your home, hotel, Airbnb, or — let’s dive off the deep end here — coliving space.
There is an undeniable sense of privilege in this. But the future of work will continue to move more careers to remote, which will likely drive market demand for close-to-home, flexible workspace options that include cafes and coworking. Even better if it’s all joined together along with other amenities like dining, nightlife, and outdoor recreation nearby. Progress is inevitable. You can spark a legal joint to that.
Against: The myth of productivity
Photo: MikeDotta/Shutterstock
In my opinion, the biggest misunderstanding about coworking spaces is that they’re a substitute for an authentic office environment. Coworking spaces are the dive bars of offices. Offices are often considered stale, uninspired workspaces, but they’re usually designed for productivity and the pursuit of a common goal. Coworking spaces might look flashier and come with free doughnuts, but by comparison, they’re an absolute free-for-all.
Unless you’re willing to fork over a good chunk of your income for a private room, you’ll find yourself at the mercy of an unpredictable cast of characters in a shared space. Listening to others’ phone calls will become a daily distraction. Instead of getting accustomed to your colleague’s obnoxious quirks, in coworking spaces you can look forward to a rotating door of “coworkers” with potentially annoying, inconsiderate habits. Sure, you might make some friends, but will you get anything done?
If only there was a public place furnished with plenty of desks that guaranteed absolute quiet. Oh yeah, they’re called libraries. And they’re free.
For: Nowhere offers better networkingCoworking memberships can often pay for themselves solely from the networking and professional development opportunities they offer. In 2017, I spent a month in Bali, working at Outpost Coworking, which is the best representation I’ve seen of the promise of coworking. Its locations are walkable or easily reachable via scooter in both Ubud and Canggu, and the space offers coliving options for travelers along with services like airport transfers. In addition to being an incredibly beautiful workspace, Outpost hosted nightly networking events featuring speakers touching on a wide range of topics related to remote work and the location independent lifestyle. These events provided a great way to meet the other people in the space, and often led to fun and engaging dinners at nearby restaurants afterward. One of the most useful aspects of coworking came as a result.
I landed a client — a business owner who needed content management — that turned into a long-term partnership and friendship in which we both benefited. As an added bonus, the revenue generated from that contract more than paid for my entire time in Bali, including flights to my next destination.
This is not uncommon. These spaces are typically populated by people who work in similar, but adjacent, fields. Web developers, copywriters, ad agencies, content marketers, and SEO whizzes are staples at most good coworking spots. They all need clients, and in turn, each other. When you’re a copywriter at a networking event, chatting with a woman who runs a content marketing agency and needs copy for an upcoming campaign, guess who she’s likely to hire?
Relationships like that don’t happen when you never leave your spare bedroom office. And they certainly don’t happen when you’re stuck on mute at the library.
Against: Coworking spaces squander the flexible benefits of being remote in the first placeChoosing to work from an office every day as a remote worker is like choosing to work at Dairy Queen after winning the lottery. The whole point of location independence is the freedom to work wherever you wish. That could be a coffee shop, your bed, a library, a park bench, or a bartop. The possibilities are endless. Choosing to wake up, get dressed, pack a bag, and drive to an office is like crawling back into the restrictive cocoon from which you worked so hard to break free.
Of course, the freedom of remote work comes with the freedom to work from a coworking space. There’s nothing wrong with revisiting the office life now and then — if only to remind yourself how much it sucks. Just don’t pretend it offers anything you can’t get at a coffee shop, allows for more productivity than a library, or is even remotely worth the exorbitant cost.
For: Coworking solves the “grown-up friendships” problem
Photo: Jono Erasmus/Shutterstock
We all know how hard it can be to make new friends in adulthood once the days of booze-fueled youthful revelry are behind us. Making friends in a traditional office or other workspace is totally doable, and very common. But in many cases, there are limits to “work friends” — primarily that once one of you moves on to another position or leaves the company entirely, the friendship slowly diminishes until all you have left is a Facebook connection and a warm memory of what once was.
In a coworking space, you’re constantly surrounded by people who are “at work,” just like you. Difference is, they don’t work with you. They aren’t your coworkers, and therefore your relationship isn’t based on workplace gossip and insider info. But they do share an understanding of remote work. They also spend their days staring at a laptop, probably working on tasks you’re familiar with and using lingo you understand. They’re also likely to be at the aforementioned networking events, ready to chill and have a conversation.
Beyond finding clients, it’s easy to make friends because the other people there are looking for non-work social connections. This is especially true in travel settings, where you and everyone else are away from home and existing social circles. In this way, your coworking membership serves as a built-in meet-up group for working professionals.
But hey, progress isn’t for everyone. Some people would rather stay home, which I’d argue is the real squandering of the location independent lifestyle. If you’re considering testing out coworking and all of this is not proof enough, catch me at the free happy hour this afternoon in the conference room and I’ll show you the photo collage I built of epic “dedicated workstation” views from around the world.
The post Are coworking spaces worth it or a waste of money? appeared first on Matador Network.
Don’t leave Louisville without indulging in this historic, delicious sandwich
Kentucky is famous for its bourbon and fast horses that feast on nutrient-rich Kentucky bluegrass. But when it comes to what the state is known for, you’d be remiss to leave out the dish created and consumed by many in the heart of Louisville: the hot brown.
On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of staying at the Brown Hotel — the birthplace of the hot brown — and tried the masterpiece right on site. According to the Brown Hotel’s website, back in the 1920s the hotel hosted its famous dinner dance. It lasted way past dinner and well into the next day. After exhausting themselves dancing, partygoers would scoot over to the kitchen to look for something to snack on.
“In the era of what we’re talking about, this was Prohibition, but it was legal to have a prescription of Kentucky’s finest in your jacket,” says J. Troy Ritchie, the manager, sommelier, and bourbon steward at the Brown Hotel’s English Grill. And by Kentucky’s finest, of course, Ritchie is referring to the whiskey guests were drinking.
Between the drinks and the dancing, people craved something more indulgent than the traditional ham and eggs, as the story goes. So chef Fred Schmidt created something better than the standard combo. He gauged what he had available and concocted an open-faced, thick-cut turkey sandwich with crispy bacon, acidic tomatoes to cut the richness, and a cheesy mornay sauce (which is a classic béchamel sauce that has grated cheese added).
Photo: The Brown Hotel/Facebook
In the Roaring 20s, people consumed alcohol differently and had a need for comfort food after a night of sipping. “If you’re taking on that amount of calories [that are in a hearty hot brown], it just sort of works when it comes to tiring you out for bed,” Ritchie says. “I’ve heard that when adding that little bit of acid, [Schmidt] tried everything from pimentos to strawberries before deciding on tomatoes.”
The dish lived on past that storied party and became a fixture in Louisville. Hot browns also made an appearance at subsequent parties, of which there were many thanks to the Brown Hotel’s location and popularity. Today, a century or so later, the dish has cemented its place in Kentucky food history lore. It’s been featured on The Today Show, Man vs Food, in the Los Angeles Times, and more.
Part of the reason for the popularity is that the Brown Hotel isn’t just a hotel. It’s a little bigger than that.
“It’s a weary traveler place,” Ritchie says, “and those that come in and have a hot brown are going to get a good night’s sleep, but there are two other factors that play into the mix.” One is that it’s a destination spot for special occasions for locals as well as tourists. And when locals want to have a hot brown, they specifically come here for that dish. “The third, of course, is the tourist attraction aspect,” Ritchie says. Yes, people are traveling to Louisville from various countries to try this dish.
The best places to try a hot brown in Louisville, Kentucky
Photo: The Brown Hotel/Facebook
The Brown Hotel: When traveling to Louisville for the first time, you really have to try a hot brown at its origin in the Brown Hotel. “It just hits a niche that’s not really met,” Ritchie says. “You’re splurging a little bit in that moment and that’s what this idea of comfort is all about. It’s over the top and high quality.” And while having the hot brown at the Brown Hotel is definitely a bucket list moment, you can also make it at home following the recipe on the website.
Where: 335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
Derby Cafe Express: Located in the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs (the track where the Kentucky Derby is run), this spot is noted for its hot brown panini, bourbon bread pudding, and mint juleps.
Where: 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
The Café: A well-loved casual breakfast and lunch spot that serves a long menu of Southern food classics. The hot brown, in this case, is of course the one to order.
Where: 711 Brent St, Louisville, KY 40204
Troll Pub Under the Bridge: An underground pub that serves solid food alongside a long list of beers and a full bar menu. The history at this location includes time as a hotel, railroad headquarters, and a building along what was once known as Whiskey Row — and that was all before the hot brown was first invented.
Where: 150 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202
Biscuit Belly: A restaurant known for its hot brown biscuit with house smoked turkey and smoked gouda mornay.
Where: 900 E Main St #101, Louisville, KY 40206
The post Don’t leave Louisville without indulging in this historic, delicious sandwich appeared first on Matador Network.
April 27, 2021
Everywhere you can swim with whale sharks in Mexico
If you want to swim with a fish the size of a bus, Mexico is one of the best places in the world to do it. At the right time of year, you’re almost guaranteed to see whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez (east of the Baja Peninsula) and in the Mexican Caribbean (near Cancún). It is possible to interact with wildlife in ethical ways, but you need to choose your destination and your tour operator carefully.
Whale sharks are giant but gentleThe whale shark is the largest fish in the sea, and you can snorkel alongside them in many places around the world. Whale sharks are usually between 18 and 32 feet long — though one was measured at almost 62 feet — and weigh about 20 tons. They mostly ignore those who swim around them, that is, if you follow the rules in place to protect them.
To swim next to an animal with a mouth that can open as wide as five feet is a thrill. But only plankton, krill, and the tiniest of fishes can pass through their throats, which are smaller than your fist. They have no desire to taste humans; they’re even known to spit out grains of rice and other foods not part of their natural diet. Whale sharks’ gills — which you can watch undulate beautifully as the animal pushes water out through them — are human-sized too, but also pose no risk to swimmers. Humans and their boats are much more dangerous to the endangered sharks than the sharks are to them.
Laws and rules to protect whale sharksMexico has strict whale shark rules, and most tour boat operators are careful about following them. Swimming with the immense creatures is a popular tourist activity in Mexico, and it’s in everyone’s interest that the animals keep returning to their feeding grounds.
Tourists’ fascination with interacting with animals in the wild — and the fees they pay to do it — are often essential components of protecting species and the habitats they live in. The communities know it’s more profitable to protect the animals than, for example, eat them or jeopardize their food sources and environment.
Whale sharks are endangered and their population is decreasing, so respecting the rules is extremely important. Mexico’s whale shark tourism is regulated by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) and the Secretaría de Turismo (SECTUR). Look for SEMARNAT or SECTUR certification when you choose a tour operator, as not all operators are certified.
The rules aim to protect and minimize disruption to the sharks. They limit the number of boats and people that can approach, the size and speed of boats, and the distance you must keep between you and the animal. The rules even restrict tour boats to specific hours so that the whale sharks have daylight hours free from humans. When these rules are respected, the animals don’t seem to notice humans or their boats.
Generally, two people plus a guide are allowed to snorkel with a whale shark at a given time, so you’ll take turns with the other people on your boat. Enter the water slowly and smoothly so as not to scare the marine animal away.
Try not to bring any unwanted chemicals into the sea with you, including sunscreen, moisturizers, hair products, and make-up. Rules around sunscreen are changing — at first biodegradable sunblock was allowed, but no-sunscreen practices are growing. Instead, bring a hat and a cover-up, especially for places where there’s a long boat ride to get to the whale sharks. Mexico also has restrictions on single-use plastics, including plastic bags and water bottles.
One of the main rules when swimming with whale sharks is to stay on the surface of the water. You’re required to wear a life jacket (or a wetsuit without a weight belt) to make it difficult for you to dive under the water. Whale sharks seem to have sensitive bellies and often turn them away from scuba divers’ bubbles and flee from an area where humans are swimming underwater. It’s perhaps because the sharks think the underwater humans are dolphins, which have been spotted ramming the sharks’ bellies. No one knows if the dolphins want the sharks to leave or if they’re just amusing themselves. But it is clear that whale sharks don’t like air bubbles below them and will swim away when they notice them.
Swimmers are asked to stay on the sides of the shark, generally between its eye and the base of its tail. Whale sharks swim at about three miles per hour and humans at about two, so you can keep up with one for a few minutes before it smoothly glides away in search of more plankton.
Keeping your distance from whale sharks helps protect both of you. If the shark is spooked and swims away quickly, its giant tail could accidentally swat you if you’re too close. Unsurprisingly, touching the animals is also not allowed. Know that it could lead to a cut or a skin infection for both the shark and for you.
Photography is fine, but not with a flash. However, it’s tough to get a half-decent photo. The water will be murky — the sharks are there because they’re feeding on all the plankton — so it’s better just to focus on enjoying the experience. If your shark decides to leave, your swim might only last a minute or two. But if you follow the rules, there’s a good chance every person in your boat will have a few turns in the water with them.
Where to swim with whale sharks in MexicoIt’s possible to see a whale shark in any ocean waters surrounding Mexico. But if swimming with them is on your to-do list, there are two main places to go: the Sea of Cortez and the Mexican Caribbean, each with several destinations to choose from.
Whale sharks are seen in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez throughout the year, but the fish are much easier to find between October and February. In the Mexican Caribbean, whale sharks congregate north of Cancún along the Yucatán Peninsula from mid-May to mid-September.
La Paz, Baja California Sur
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
One of the most accessible places to see whale sharks is just a few minutes off the sea wall in La Paz, the laid-back capital of the state of Baja California Sur. It’s a two-hour drive north of Cabo San Lucas and has its own airport.
La Paz Bay is a critical habitat for whale sharks and has been a protected refuge since 2018. Within sight of the city, there are three plankton-rich spots that teenage whale sharks seem to love. There’s even a good chance of spotting a whale shark if you take another water-based excursion, like a swim with the sea lions at Isla Espiritu Santo or boating to the region’s Caribbean-like beaches.
Between October and February, it’s rare not to see whale sharks on a La Paz tour. Another advantage of choosing La Paz for your whale shark experience is how carefully the interactions are monitored in the refuge. Boats have to radio in and out of the whale shark zones and take their turns, so there’s no overcrowding. Only boats with certified operators are allowed to enter the zones, with no private vessels allowed.
Los Cabos and Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
Photo: Go La Paz
If you’re staying at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, in the Los Cabos area, you don’t need to miss out on swimming with whale sharks. It’s possible to get a whale shark tour to look for the animals in the Cabo San Lucas area. However, most tours will drive you up to La Paz for the day to ensure you get the experience you’re looking for.
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Four hours north of La Paz, and even more laid-back, is Loreto. It was the first Spanish settlement on the peninsula, founded in 1697. The waters off Loreto are protected as the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Even the world’s largest animals like the blue whale seem to love the waters here. While whale shark swimming tours aren’t on offer, you might get lucky and see the sharks while you’re on a whale watching tour.
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, Baja California Sur
Photo: Leonardo Gonzalez/Shutterstock
This marine park is 60 miles northeast of Los Cabos. Unique here is a large coral reef, rare on the western side of North America. There are a few accommodation options in the town of Cabo Pulmo. Water lovers might prefer to book a live-aboard so that they can swim and dive in a different location every morning and afternoon, with multiple opportunities to look for whale sharks.
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
On Mexico’s eastern coast, whale sharks love the plankton-rich waters of the Mexican Caribbean and are frequently seen here between May and September (though the timing of their arrival and departure varies each year). The legal season for swimming with the sharks is between June 15 and September 15. You’ll have the best chance of seeing whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean if you visit between mid-June and August.
The whale sharks’ favorite places seem to vary over the years. It’s probably easiest to spot them off Isla Mujeres. You can stay on the island itself — there are about 60 hotels to choose from — to explore everything Isla Mujeres has to offer. For example, North Beach is often named as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Most of the whale shark trips that depart from Cozumel, Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and elsewhere along the Riviera Maya go to Isla Mujeres.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Photo: feel4nature/Shutterstock
Part of the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve, Isla Holbox is a 20-minute ferry ride from the Port of Chiquilá, about a two-hour drive northwest of Cancún. Holbox is a car-free island, with people getting around by golf cart, bicycle, and on foot. There are about 70 different accommodation options on Holbox.
A few whale shark tour operators will take you here from the Cancún area, but staying on Isla Holbox is easier. Plus, whale shark season coincides with the time some of the island’s beaches light up at night with bioluminescence. Isla Holbox also has a large number of beautiful birds to admire, including bright pink flamingos.
Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo
Photo: feel4nature/Shutterstock
Isla Contoy is an uninhabited island north of Isla Mujeres on the way to Isla Holbox by boat. It’s a prime nesting spot for turtles and birds and more than 200 different bird species have been seen here. You can take a whale shark excursion here from Cancún, and the tours from Isla Holbox may come here if whale sharks aren’t found closer.
The post Everywhere you can swim with whale sharks in Mexico appeared first on Matador Network.
April 26, 2021
The best Airbnbs on Hawaii’s Big Island, from beachside villas to a downtown cottage
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Hawaii is calling, and while the masses head to Oahu and Maui, the relaxing vibes of the Big Island of Hawai’i make for an ideal vacation. No matter which side of the island you choose, lodging is key to getting the most out of your stay. By selecting an Airbnb, you get the best home furnishings, comfort, and Hawaiian culture, without sacrificing the beachfront location. In fact, all you’re missing are the hassles of dealing with resort front desks. These are the best Airbnbs on the Big Island for every type of traveler.
Near Waikoloa VillageFour bedroom house near Kipuka Lani
Photo: Airbnb
Epicness comes in many forms, and the Kipuka Lani house is proof. Eight guests can spread out across four bedrooms and enjoy a massive living space, a pool and lounge area with the best sunset views on the island, and a private outdoor bar. Sleeping spaces are arranged to take in natural light in the morning while overlooking epic views, and as the name suggests, one of the island’s best golf clubs is right next door. If you’re looking to impress for a family reunion, business retreat, or that once-every-decade meet-up with old friends, there is no better place on the island to do so.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $2,250 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This exclusive townhome provides the amenities of a resort — a private beach club, customer service, ease of access — with the convenience of Airbnb. Located inside the Villages at Mauna Lani, you get the local feel in a high-end setting. Everything you need is a quick walk or bike-ride away, including the opportunity to swim with dolphins. The home has a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill and comes with all the gear you’ll need for days at the beach.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $446 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Expansive views are the name of the game in this large one-bedroom condo. It’s quintessentially Hawaii in that the line between being outside in nature and stepping indoors to relax is exceptionally thin. The apartment opens right into the palms and is surrounded by an adjacent golf club and tennis courts, just a few minutes from the beach. The host provides beach gear, including boogie boards and an ice cooler. He’s also a pretty prolific reader — the unit features an extensive collection of books.
Five guests, one bedroom
Price: $187 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Sometimes things work out really well — which is exactly how you’ll feel when you arrive at this beachfront villa above Waikoloa Beach. Walk to the beach and waterfall pool, with activities including golf, boogie boarding, swimming with wildlife, and more just minutes away. But the best part is actually on-site — the unit features a private lanai with an outdoor grill, so all your meals can be prepared and enjoyed without having to worry about tracking sand inside.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $218 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Being able to walk from your lanai to the beach on Kona is about as good as life gets. This apartment — renovated, as the owner notes — is high in the running for the best lanai view on the entire island, as you could toss a pebble to the beach (though we don’t recommend trying). Inside, the unit is bright and airy, adorned with ocean-themed artworks. It also has a comfortable living room and a large television that you should use as little as possible (unless you save for an evening marathon of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Finding Ohana).
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $176 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Get a crew together for this epic home right on the reef and beach. The views are as perfect as the access to the waves. The living room lanai opens out onto the grass, perfect for beers and fish tacos. Here, you can literally snorkel, swim, and surf right from the home — and from the lanai couch, you’ll watch sea turtles feeding, parasailors soaring, and whales breaching. How’s that for entertainment?
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $390 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy two private lanais and two stories of luxury with this penthouse apartment right on the water. If you’ve never seen a Hawaiian sunset, there’s no better spot to catch your first one than on the upper lanai with a glass of wine in hand. You’ll be right in the heart of Kailua-Kona and its fantastic dining and entertainment. And you will also have beach and on-water activities a short distance from your door. The host is flexible on check-in and check-out times with written approval, so if your flight in or out is at an odd hour, the lanai here is willing to accommodate.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $281 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This beachfront home is ideal for families and groups of friends looking for easy beach access, plenty of space to lounge, and the chance to sleep to — and awake to — the sounds of the ocean. The place is large enough for six, comes with Hawaiian coffee, and is only one mile from central town and its array of cafes, galleries, and markets. Every room in the house has an ocean view, so even if you come with sibling rivalries, there’s no sense fighting over who gets which bedroom.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $406 per night
Photo: Airbnb
If waking up and gliding out to the lanai to let ocean waves and the rising sun awaken your mind sounds like paradise, then this is the unit for you in Hilo. The surf is right outside, and the birds crisscrossing Hilo Bay provide a constant companion while you relax with a coffee or adult beverage. The center of town isn’t far either, so dining, shopping, and perusing the galleries is totally doable. Promise us that at least once during your stay, you will wake up and take in the sunrise from the lanai. Your life will never be the same.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $250 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Staying in town has its advantages — walkable dining, cafes, gift shops, and because this is Hilo, the beach is never far away no matter where you are. This cottage could be yours for your stay: a full-on home with a kitchen, bedrooms, and the semblance of normal while still being away from the madness of the mainland. This spot is also ideal for more extended stays, as the host offers a monthly discount. The Wi-Fi is better in town, and as noted above, the cafes are plentiful — so remote workers and nomads, hark.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $201 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Having an entire house to yourself right on the water north of Hilo is #lifegoals to the max. From the lanai, you can watch the surfers out on the waves even if you don’t participate yourself, and snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and ocean swims are easily accessible as well. All the trappings of a comfortable home are here, including spacious living quarters, a nice kitchen, and the bedrooms are done up Hawaii style. Each morning you have the opportunity to experience the sunrise over the water, and let us tell you — there is nothing more motivating and inspiring to get out there experience all the Hawaiʻi Island has to offer.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $199 per night
The post The best Airbnbs on Hawaii’s Big Island, from beachside villas to a downtown cottage appeared first on Matador Network.
Camping World will soon accept cryptocurrencies for your RV purchase
Cryptocurrency right now is kind of like the internet in 1991. You’re probably not really sure what it is or how it works, but soon it will likely become commonplace in our society. This week Camping World, America’s largest retailer of RVs, announced it would start accepting cryptocurrencies as payment for RV purchases through a new partnership with BitPay, a cryptocurrency patent service provider.
Camping World will be accepting Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies through a range of digital wallets. At first, the program will only launch in the Chicago and Kenosha locations, but will eventually expand to all locations that sell RVs, as well as the company’s e-commerce platforms this summer.
In a press release, Marcus Lemonis, CEO and Chairman of Camping World, said, “As the industry leader, we have a responsibility to adapt to new preferences and elevate the customer experience, whether through the products and services we offer or in the ways we interact and transact with the customer. Accepting cryptocurrency is simply another part of our vision to make RV-ing easy in an increasingly digital world.”
The announcement also follows Camping World’s commitment to developing a platform for paperless, online RV purchases.
The post Camping World will soon accept cryptocurrencies for your RV purchase appeared first on Matador Network.
London’s jaw-dropping new sky pool will suspend 115 feet in the air
Some people love sky-diving, some people love swimming, but have you ever thought about experiencing both in mid-air?
A new sky pool is making its debut in London on May 19, 2021. The pool is an amenity of the Embassy Gardens Developments, and will be suspended between two residential apartment buildings on the 10th floor. It’s an 82-foot-long and 10-foot-deep pool and is completely see-through — meaning once people dive in, they will be able to look straight down as it’s 115 feet off the ground, according to CNN.
Photo: Embassy Gardens
“We decided the only space large enough [for the pool] was between the buildings,” said Tristan Stout, senior development manager at Ballymore. “So we started to research images of aqueducts. If those structures could span valleys, we believed we could build a structure to span two buildings.”
Designed by Arup Associates, with specialist input from Eckersley O’Callaghan and aquarium designer Reynolds Polymer, the pool was manufactured in Colorado and went through extensive testing at the Reynolds factory before traveling to the UK. Embassy Gardens said it will be “more akin to an aquarium than a pool.”
Photo: Embassy Gardens
The Embassy Gardens development is expected to include bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re trying to go for a swim in this one-of-a-kind pool, you’re probably out of luck, as it’s only open to the building’s residents. The 2,000 homes in Embassy Gardens start at 1,015,000 British pounds ($1.4 million) for a two-bedroom flat.
The post London’s jaw-dropping new sky pool will suspend 115 feet in the air appeared first on Matador Network.
This Maui resort offers guests stargazing experience with a NASA ambassador
If you’re traveling to Hawaii, it’s probably because of the state’s sunny weather, crystal clear waters, and beautifully lush landscapes. But the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa wants to offer its guests a little more than the usual sunbathing. The resort’s new “Stay, Learn, and Play” now provides unique experiences for vacationers on the island.
As part of the package, the newly renovated resort offers guests a deluxe oceanfront suite and lets them take part in a private astronomy lesson with NASA Ambassador Edward Mahoney, as well as enjoy a romantic dinner and a stargazing experience during which they’ll be able to see up to 80 constellations in the skies above Maui.
Photo: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa/Facebook
The package also includes exclusive access to an activity lawn with daybeds; a $500 food and beverage credit; a private hula dancing lesson; a treatment at the resort’s spa; yoga and meditation sessions; and an animal experience where you’ll be able to feed the hotel’s resident penguins, according to a press release.
The package starts at $9,995 for a minimum five-night stay. It’s available to book through December 21, 2021. Call 808-667-4932 to book.
The post This Maui resort offers guests stargazing experience with a NASA ambassador appeared first on Matador Network.
Fully vaccinated Americans will be allowed to travel to Europe this summer
It’s official — the European Union will allow fully vaccinated Americans to travel to its 27 member states this summer.
On Sunday, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told The New York Times that since Americans are using vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), they will be able to travel freely in the European bloc this summer.
“Because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A.,” she said. The EMA has approved all three major vaccines, which are Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson. While the EU hasn’t set a fixed date for travel to resume, the expected timeline suggests June.
The United States is on track to reach herd immunity among the population by mid-June. Von der Leyen noted that this was “huge progress.” Vaccinated people will be able to travel by producing evidence of inoculation. The EU and the US are still working out the details of what a vaccine certificate might look like.
The EU is working on its own COVID-19 travel passes that would record proof of vaccination, negative test results, and recent history of COVID-19 recovery in order to facilitate movement as soon as possible.
Currently, Greece, Croatia, and Iceland are open to vaccinated US travelers. While each European nation will be able to set its own restrictions, the general consensus is that all 27 will accept inoculated travelers as the travel industry makes a push toward recovery.
The post Fully vaccinated Americans will be allowed to travel to Europe this summer appeared first on Matador Network.
April 23, 2021
This stunning hotel offers pasta making classes, yoga, and some of the best views in Rome
Working from Rome might rhyme with working from home, but it’s a lot more enticing. The Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is encouraging people to take a workcation to Rome by offering a workcation package. The five-star hotel and former 19th-century palazzo is located in the heart of Rome, near the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Villa Medici, and it’s put together a pretty enticing offer for would-be visitors.
The workcation package includes three customizable yoga classes on the terrace or in Villa Borghese park, a Roman pasta-making course, wine tasting, 10 hours of Italian lessons, and a running or walking tour of the city that stops at the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and St. Peter’s Square. Oh yeah, and the tour is led by a former Italian National Olympic Committee coach who also happens to specialize in art history.
Good luck finding time to actually work.
The package also includes round-trip transportation from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport or the main train station, virtual concierge service, accommodations, and 20 percent off all food and drinks at the hotel.
As for the food and drink, you won’t even want to leave the grounds. The hotel features one of the most stunning views in all of Rome at its restaurant, Settimo. Located on the seventh floor, Settimo overlooks the lush Villa Borghese gardens and has an intimate terrace. Be sure to have a craft cocktail there at sunset before switching to wine with your dinner inside. The menu features contemporary Roman cuisine like tortellini with oxtail ragu, and saltimbocca with pan-fried chicory and stewed onion.
The package costs $1,082 per night and is available for a minimum stay of 14 nights. It may cost a quarter of your salary, but working from Rome is always better than working from home.
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