Matador Network's Blog, page 705
February 9, 2021
Resort offers free two-week stay
There are several reasons people might be hesitant to travel right now. One of them is potentially contracting COVID-19 during their vacation, and ending up stuck at their destination. Palace Resorts, with 10 properties across Mexico and Jamaica, is trying to give travelers peace of mind by offering a free two-week stay if they test positive for COVID-19 at the end of their trip.
The US requires that all incoming international travelers show a negative COVID-19 test before boarding their flight, and the hotel chain already offers on-site COVID-19 testing to help visitors meet this requirement. Now, it’s providing an additional layer of convenience, and a fallback plan in case guests do test positive. Instead of being forced to remain in Mexico or Jamaica for a two-week quarantine at their own expense, now, guests will receive a free 14-day stay. If a guest continues to test positive after two weeks, they will receive a discounted rate of $199 per night (applies to up to three guests per room).
Similar deals are being offered in other resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean such as AMResorts and Xcaret. It might sound like an unbelievably generous offer, but since the strict testing laws could prevent many travelers from booking entirely, the deal is viewed as necessary for building comfort and confidence. 
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February 8, 2021
How I travel safely during COVID
In the “before times,” as the era before the onslaught of COVID-19 has affectionately come to be known, I hopped on planes without a second thought. My partner and I traveled to London and Los Angeles; I flew solo to Charleston, South Carolina, and Paso Robles, California, for work. This was all within the space of a couple months just before the CDC recommended that families quarantine at home and the governor of my home state of New Jersey shut down all non-essential businesses. I had become so accustomed to my unimpeded access to travel that I could not imagine or accept a reality in which I wouldn’t even go near an airport for a full year. But that’s exactly what happened. I went from being a person for whom travel was a regular part of my routine to rarely leaving my living room.
That doesn’t mean the occasional vacation is out of the question; I just have to do it in a way that doesn’t put my quarantine bubble (which includes three cats, young children, and high-risk adults) at risk. So instead of booking a hotel, hopping on a plane, or making a reservation at our favorite restaurant, my partner and I seek out isolated cabins in the woods or the mountains as far away from civilization as we can manage — as long as it’s within driving distance of our home in New Jersey.
Last November, we tracked down a tiny house on the side of a mountain near Phoenicia, New York. Our activities were all outdoors: We explored nearby hiking trails, a waterfall, and a botanical garden (mostly abandoned and barren in the winter). We actively limited our exposure to other people. Although we drove through the town of Phoenicia once, we didn’t leave the car and only stopped to order burgers and shakes at a pick-up window.
Our host kept his distance, too, which was an essential element of making this plan work. When we arrived at the cabin, we walked down a stone path to the main house where we retrieved the key from six feet apart on the outside deck (masked up of course). A brief exchange of pleasantries was all that was necessary before we retreated to the hilltop cabin, not interacting with the host again until we dropped off the key before leaving.
Because we never parked the car and explored any of the nearby towns on foot, ate at a restaurant or bar, or stepped into a shop, the pace and purpose of our weekend-long mini-vacation was totally different than before the pandemic. We didn’t pick up any souvenirs or do shopping of any kind (the only time we went indoors besides the grocery store was to get coffee from a machine inside a gas station), so the trip became less focused on acquiring material and more about inventing our own kind of adventure. We spent the daylight hours driving through uncharted territory, looking out for random trails to traverse.
At night, we cooked our own food and popped open a bottle of wine we brought from home. Before the pandemic, we would have ventured into town to track down a cozy dive bar and spend our evening carousing with the locals there.
Once it got dark outside, we poured more wine and set about making a roaring, sizzling fire that we sat beside for hours, mostly in silence, watching the stars blink to life. At least one night of a typical vacation would probably have been spent in a crowded, loud restaurant — and don’t get me wrong, loud and crowded restaurants are among my favorite places on the Earth. But being extra careful about maintaining our safety — and frankly our distance from other human beings — forced us to find pleasure in a peaceful, quiet, isolated getaway that prioritized reflection and communion with nature over socializing and shopping.
It doesn’t take a global pandemic to plan a vacation that centers spending all your time outdoors, appreciating the majesty of the woods, clear skies full of stars, and the soothing burble of a nearby river. Plenty of people have always shaped their vacations around this type of itinerary long before the pandemic was even a thought in the back of our minds. But vacationing in the time of COVID offered me a jolt of perspective: Getaways can be low-maintenance affairs that cater more to wandering without a plan than structured activity.
Especially in the era of social media updates and Instagram posts, it was a useful reminder that even though I’m mourning the jet-setting travel I did before the pandemic, it is far from the only fulfilling type of travel. And perhaps taking a break from an ever-rotating schedule of flights forced me to check my privilege, and remember that being able to travel in any capacity is a blessing right now.
The pandemic has taken away one of our most valuable resources — our time — and finding ways to feel like I have agency over my life again has been so beneficial to my mental health. But it’s also robbed us of so much human life, so it’s paramount that if we do venture out in the world, we do it in a way that protects not just ourselves but anyone else that we encounter along the way.
We found another isolated cabin in the woods, and we’re going on another weekend-long getaway three months after the first. I picked a spot away from a city and near trails that lead into a forest. I’m looking forward to escaping the living room for just a couple days. These mini-vacations swap one type of solitude for another, but at least we are momentarily released from the monotony of lockdown life. I don’t know when I’ll be back on a plane, but for now I’m satisfied skipping the planes and driving into the woods instead.
The post How mindful, and safe, travel is possible right now appeared first on Matador Network.
Marrakech's Jardin Majorelle
African architecture is widely underrated, but Morocco’s seems to be an exception. The Maghrebi nation’s beautiful structures, from the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca to the Place El Hedim in Meknes, and the Instagram-perfect blue streets of Chefchaouen are well known to travelers and have undoubtedly contributed to Morocco’s ever-increasing tourism numbers over the years. Not to mention Jardin Majorelle, a unique botanical garden located in the capital city of Marrakech. Morocco’s most visited attraction, Jardin Majorelle is much more than a collection of cacti and date palms — it’s home to a museum, a restful café, and the eye-popping blue and yellow villa that used to be the home of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Here’s everything you need to know about Marrakesh’s Jardin Majorelle, including its history, its buildings, and how to visit.
The history of Jardin Majorelle
Photo: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook + Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
Jardin Majorelle was created by French artist Jacques Majorelle over the course of 40 years. In 1923, the painter purchased four acres of land at the edge of a palm grove in Marrakesh where he built several buildings, including a home and a painting studio, which he painted a striking shade of cobalt blue now known as Majorelle blue and where he cultivated exotic plant species with immense passion. Majorelle lived in, created art in, and cared for Jardin Majorelle until his deteriorating health took him back to France in the early ‘60s. Majorelle died in 1962 in Paris, and his property was left abandoned for many years after his passing.
In 1980, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his business and life partner Pierre Bergé purchased Jardin Majorelle to save it from destruction by hotel developers. The pair restored the property, expanded the garden, and reopened the site to the public. The couple also lived part-time in Majorelle’s former home, renamed Villa Oasis.
In 2011, three years after Yves Saint Laurent’s death, Pierre Bergé opened a museum dedicated to Berber art on the property.
Today, Jardin Majorelle is the most visited site in Morocco, with over 850,000 visitors a year, reported the Washington Post in August 2019.
What to see in Jardin MajorelleDespite its name, Jardin Majorelle is much more than a botanical garden. The site’s 2.2 acres includes the Villa Oasis, a museum, a café, a shop, and a large and labyrinthine walled garden filled with ponds covered in water lilies, fountains, and 300 beautiful botanicals species, such as bougainvillea, bamboo, date palms, cacti, banana trees, succulents, and many more.
The Villa OasisPhoto: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
While it’s the most famous part of Jardin Marjorelle, the beautiful blue and yellow villa that used to be the home of Jacques Majorelle, as well as Yves Saint Laurent and Pierrer Bergé, is off-limits to the general public. However, you can admire the villa from outside and take in the Art Déco and Moorish details of the building and snap some Insta-worthy shots.
The Berber art museum
Photo: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
Opened in 2011, the Berber art museum is located in Jacques Majorelle’s former painting studio. The Berbers (Imazighen) are an ethnic group that has inhabited North Africa for centuries, even before the arrival of the Arabs. Jacques Majorelle used to paint the Berber people, and Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé were so fascinated by Berber culture that they collected Berber art. The exhibitions include Saint Laurent and Bergé’s collection, including clothing, jewelry, and other artifacts. There are also audiovisual displays for visitors to learn more about the history and current situation of the Berber people.
In August 2019, the Washington Post reported that Jardin Majorelle’s Berber art museum was a good spot to escape the crowds in the garden. Advice to keep in mind for your future visit.
The Café Majorelle
Photo: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook + Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
For a break in a beautiful inner courtyard filled with flowers or inside a Moroccan salon with a fireplace, head to the on-site Café Marjorelle. The former servant’s quarters at the time of Jacques Majorelle have been transformed into a welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch, cool beverages, or Moroccan mint tea.
The boutique
Photo: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
The boutique is a must-see for fashion-conscious visitors. Filled with beautiful locally handmade items such as leather shoes, handbags, dresses, jewelry, and more, the boutique pays homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s talent and his love of colors.
How to visit Marrakech’s Jardin Majorelle
Photo: Le Jardin Majorelle/Facebook
Opening hours: Jardin Majorelle is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM. (No admission after 5:30 PM.)
Booking a ticket: Purchase your entry ticket to Jardin Majorelle online at least 24 hours in advance. You’ll need to select the day and time you wish to visit when making your booking.
Admission fee: The admission price to Jardin Majorelle depends on what you wish to visit. If you’re only interested in visiting the garden, it’ll cost you 100 Moroccan Dirhams ($11.15). If you wish to visit the garden, as well as two museums (on-site Musée Pierre Bergé des arts Berbères and the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum), the price goes up to 220 Moroccan Dirhams, ($24.50).
Address: Rue Yves Saint Laurent, 40 090 Marrakech. Located in the Gueliz neighborhood, Jardin Majorelle is a 25-minute walk from the Medina, Marrakech’s old quarter.
The post Jardin Majorelle is the most elegant, artful botanical garden in the world appeared first on Matador Network.
Airbnb most liked places 2020
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, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
No shortage of social media scrolling took place in 2020. Fortunately, Airbnb was there to fill our Instagram feeds with photos of romantic getaways to keep us dreaming while we willowed away the days of quarantine. These 10 Airbnb properties had us saying, “Oh, wow,” and then promptly clicking that heart icon, earning themselves a spot on the site’s 10 most-liked properties of the year list. Whether for a quick weekend away or as a base on our next big adventure, get ready to fall victim to some serious wanderlust.
1. Stone Cottage — Saint-Victor-la-Coste, France
Photo: Airbnb
A simple name for a not-so-simple property, this cottage in France was Airbnb’s most-liked Instagram of 2020. More than 76,000 Instagrammers think this place looks incredible, and their opinions are not unfounded — it’s a 16th Century castle on the property of Chateau St. Victor la Coste. Onsite are one large private bed and bath, a pool, kitchen, and salon shared with two other cottages, and the seclusion that comes from staying in a castle that holds on to its old customs — there is no Wi-Fi on site.
Price: $240 per night
2. Punta Quintay, the best view of Quintay — Valparaíso Region, Chile
Photo: Airbnb
With 67,000 likes and counting, this Chilean coastal retreat offers easy access to Quintay’s Bay and sheets with a thread count of 500 — 500 — so when you’re dozing off to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks, you’ll be doing so in extreme comfort. It’s part cabin, part luxury escape that according to one reviewer on the listing, feels like “you’re floating on the ocean.” After the past year, we’ll take it.
Price: $176 per night
3. Lakeview Lodge — San Marcos La Laguna, GuatemalaPhoto: Airbnb
Head down to Guatemala for this lakeside escape that looks right out across Lake Atitlán with a towering peak in the background. We know you’ve been dining al fresco for the past year, but guaranteed none of those meals has been accompanied by a view like this. Double win if that meal is takeout from the adjacent Anzan, a local farm-to-table dining staple.
Price: $79 per night
4. Tanglebloom Cabin — Brookline, Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
The Tanglebloom Cabin in Vermont is the mountain hipster’s dream: part cabin, part tiny home, 100 percent see-through. The other reason why it performed so well on Instagram — garnering 46,000 likes — is because this hand-built cabin is located on a flower farm surrounded by a forest. It’s so beautiful and photogenic that non-translucent walls were entirely left out of the cabin’s architectural design. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as waking up underneath the trees without having pack up camp — and all within three hours of Boston.
Price: $91 per night
5. Casa Mami — Pioneertown, California
Photo: Airbnb
Aesthetically pleasing does not begin to describe this retreat outside Pioneertown. Its desert charm meets minimalism at its finest, with expansive views of the surrounding hills and a private yard only two hours from Los Angeles. The owners sought to bring the outdoors inside, so you’ll actually feel as though you’re camping in southwest wilderness without actually having to do so. The house is so charming that almost everything in the house is available for sale, should you wish to take home a pillow or a lawn chair to remember your stay.
$299 per night
6. 19th Century Schoolhouse — Kingston, New York
Photo: Airbnb
Travel back in time with this old schoolhouse near NYC. Get the crew together for a road trip up north, no learning required other than what can be discussed in the salt-water pool. The home is bright, inspiring, heated by a wood-burning stove, and less than two hours from New York City. It’s perfect for a group getaway for up to six.
Price: $500 per night
7. Dreamy A-frame — Pond Eddy, New York
Photo: Airbnb
New York cracks the top 10 list twice, as this dreamy a-frame cabin in Pond Eddy racked up over 43,000 likes on Instagram last year. It’s perfect for four people spread across two bedrooms, be that friends or family, or a couple’s retreat with plenty of time for relaxing on the adirondack chairs, glass of wine in hand. Rent this spot just two hours from the city and cruise over the Hawks Nest Highway for a weekend of epic views, hikes, and on-water revelry on the Delaware.
Price: $395 per night
8. Window to the Duomo — Florence, Italy
Photo: Airbnb
Stare out at the Florence Cathedral, known as the “Duomo,” from your window at this chic rental in Florence. Best part is, you’ll have the view, and this cozy apartment, all to yourself — this is a one-person rental perfect for a bit of solo time when you’re on the road with family or friends in Italy. Whether or not you’re an artist, you’re sure to be inspired here. When international travel to Italy opens again, this place is sure to be in high demand.
Price: $114 per night
9. Idyllhaus — Idyllwild-Pine Grove, California
Photo: Airbnb
This chalet was built in 1962 and is the perfect way to explore the southern Californian high country adjacent to the Idyllwild Nature Center. This mountain retreat is nearby to hiking trails, but you might find yourself not wanting to leave the a-frame. There’s a wood-burning stove, a soaking tub, and a wraparound porch from which to take in the mountain views. The owners of the cabin are particularly proud of their Saarinan womb chair, the perfect spot to cozy up with a book while the stove roars behind you.
Price: $254 per night
10. Floating House — Joanópolis, Brazil
Photo: Airbnb
Have you ever stayed offshore? This floating house in Brazil is the perfect place to start a new tradition. You’ll float on the water with the Mantiqueira Mountains rolling in the distance, away from it all — except your partner, family, or friends, who can enjoy the open night sky with a fire going in the house and a bottle of Brazilian Kotroskos wine with which to raise a toast. This place truly gives a new definition to the term “houseboat.”
Price: $219 per night
The post These are Airbnb’s 10 most-liked properties on Instagram in the past year appeared first on Matador Network.
YouTubers compare vans to live in
Road trips take on a vastly different character depending on which vehicle you enlist for the journey. YouTubers Kara and Nate set out to compare living in a $40,000 van to a $150,000 van, and the results aren’t exactly shocking: the $150,000 van wins.
The couple has spent the past six months traveling around the US in a converted Sprinter van, which they purchased for $40,000. Recently, while their Sprinter van was getting some repairs done, they rented a Winnebago Revel, which retails for $150,000, and lived in the van for a few days to see how much more they got for the extra $100,000. Unsurprisingly, it’s quite an upgrade.
They drove the van to the middle of the Las Vegas desert and, after getting acquainted with their new home, pointed out the major differences. They say the van actually feels similarly spacious inside, despite the more expensive van being shorter. It does, however, come with amenities the cheaper van lacks, such as an outdoor shower, a ladder to the roof, winterization valve that prevents pipes from freezing, a motorized awning, and foldable outdoor table, a built-in mosquito net, and more.
Inside the van, the basics are relatively similar, with a few notable exceptions. There’s a foldable table, windows that open completely — including built-in window covers for privacy — and space for an additional bed.
The post YouTube couple compares living in a $40,000 van to a $150,000 van appeared first on Matador Network.
Saharan dust covers parts of France
On Saturday, February 6, a large plume of dust from the Sahara Desert settled over Spain, France, and Switzerland, including in several Alpine ski resorts, coloring the snow and tinting the sky an unusual shade of dirty yellow.
From La Fouly in Val Ferret, Switzerland, to the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley, resorts across the Alps were covered in dust, making for one of the most unique skiing experiences many have ever experienced.
Photo: Tiffany Crook
Photo: Sandra Kazbegi
The dirty yellow tint of the sky and snow is caused by Saharan dust suspended in the atmosphere and brought over by strong winds from the Sahara Desert.
The meteorological phenomenon wasn’t just limited to the mountains. The skies in the cities of Lyons and Grenoble in France turned a dark and threatening shade of orange over the weekend.
A picture of the dust crossing the Mediterranean to reach France over the weekend was tweeted by the country’s National Meteorological and Climate Service, with the caption, “Seen from space: A low pressure system on the Iberian Peninsula organises a powerful southerly flow which brings up sand from the #Sahara as far as France. Saharan lifts appear in yellowish on satellite image between Balearic Islands and Sardinia.”
🛰Vu de l’espace || Un système dépressionnaire sur péninsule ibérique organise un puissant flux de sud qui fait remonter du sable du #Sahara jusqu'en France. Remontées sahariennes apparaissent en jaunâtre sur image sat. entre Baléares et Sardaigne.
📸 METEOSAT11, 06/02, 12hUTC pic.twitter.com/jG6Y7Khs0M
— Météo-France (@meteofrance) February 6, 2021
Such sand plumes aren’t uncommon, but usually they blow across the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes, however, a particularly strong and southerly wind can funnel dust north to Europe, and can reach all the way to the United Kingdom.
The post Plume of Saharan sand turns sky and snow yellow in France and Switzerland appeared first on Matador Network.
New Orleans closes all bars
Back in November, New Orleans’ Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the cancellation of the Mardi Gras parades to avoid large gatherings and limit the spread of COVID-19. But after a weekend of large, illegal crowds in the French Quarter, the City of New Orleans is taking the Mardi Gras restrictions several steps further.
Starting at 6:00 AM on Friday, February 12 until 6:00 AM on Wednesday, February 17, all bars will cease indoor and outdoor operations; all establishments will be prohibited from selling alcohol through drive-through, curbside, and takeout sales; and all sales of packaged alcohol, whether for consumption on- or off-premises, are prohibited in the French Quarter and Central Business District. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will also be limited in certain busy places.
As reported by CNN, Cantrell explained, “I think we were all hopeful that we could strike the necessary balance for a safe and fun Mardi Gras, but given these new variants, the recent large crowds in the Quarter and the potential for even larger crowds this weekend and as we move into the weekend of Mardi Gras, it has become very apparent that it is hard to do.”
According to the City of New Orleans, last year’s Mardi Gras celebrations led to a community spread of COVID-19 that “caused the City’s hospitals to reach capacity.”
The post New Orleans closes all bars and bans to-go drink sales during Mardi Gras appeared first on Matador Network.
Canada extends cruise ship ban
On February 4, 2021, the government of Canada extended its cruise ship ban. The ban, planned to end on February 28, 2021, has been extended for another year, until February 28, 2022, meaning popular cruising itineraries like the St. Lawrence River and the Maritime Provinces will not be taking place this year. Unfortunately, due to US maritime rules and geographical proximity, the ban will also impact Alaska.
The Canadian minister of transport, Omar Alghabra, officially banned pleasure crafts in its Arctic waters, and cruise vessels carrying over 100 passengers in all Canadian waters. There are no bans, however, on smaller cruise ships carrying under 100 people.
Alaska, a popular cruising destination, is expected to be hit hard by the extension. Unless flying a US flag, cruise vessels can’t simply transport passengers directly from one US port to another, and must also stop in a foreign port. Since many cruise ships are registered internationally (like Carnival registered in Panama and Holland American registered in the Netherlands), ports on the western Canadian coast serve as a needed legal stop for cruise ships departing from the US. With the extension of the ban, cruises that typically depart from the US to reach Alaska won’t be able to operate at all.
Unsurprisingly, Alaska isn’t happy about it. A congressional delegation from Alaska released a statement saying, “Canada’s announcement to ban all cruise sailings carrying 100 people or more traveling through Canadian waters, without so much as a courtesy conversation with the Alaska Delegation, is not only unexpected — it is unacceptable — and was certainly not a decision made with any consideration for Alaskans or our economy. We expect more from our Canadian allies. Upon hearing the announcement, we immediately reached out to Canadian and American agencies to try to understand the rationale behind this decision — particularly the duration of the ban. We are exploring all potential avenues, including changing existing laws, to ensure the cruise industry in Alaska resumes operations as soon as it is safe. We will fight to find a path forward.”
According to Alghabra, “As Canadians continue to do their part to reduce the spread of Covid-19, our government continues to work hard to ensure Canada’s transportation system remains safe. Temporary prohibitions to cruise vessels and pleasure craft are essential to continue to protect the most vulnerable among our communities.”
Alghabra also noted that the cruise ship ban could end sooner if the public health situation significantly improves.
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8 romantic getaway US destinations
Forget the boxed chocolates and fancy rings — the ultimate aphrodisiac for lovers is travel. According to a survey commissioned by the US Travel Association and conducted by Edge Research, couples who vacation together report happier and healthier relationships than home-bound twosomes.
These findings don’t bode well for couples in the biggest cities in the US, where travel became rarer than a red diamond this past year. As densely populated areas like New York and Los Angeles went into lockdown, significant others became two-person quaranteams forced to cancel their away games and play at home instead. But as vaccines roll out and the catalog of Netflix-and-chilling content nears its end, the desire to take the team elsewhere is mounting. Planning a couple’s vacation is the new hands-free version of foreplay.
Luckily, people living in the country’s most populous metropoles are within driving distance to the most desirable destinations for romantic retreats in the US. Leaving the big city for one of the following small-town getaways nearby can be done safely, meaning you and your partner can finally start planning the romantic release you’ve been craving all year.
Note: Make sure you follow CDC guidelines before taking a trip. There’s nothing less sexy than being irresponsible and unprepared.
1. Woodstock, New York
Photo: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
New York City packs 27,000 people into every square mile, making it the most densely populated city in the US. If you and your partner haven’t spent the pandemic spooning out of necessity in a pint-sized apartment, you likely need solitude from the strangers swarming together outside. As a result, space is the hottest fetish for lovers in this urban jungle, and there’s no better place to find some than the nearby Catskill Mountains.
Woodstock is a sleepy bohemian town at the epicenter of the region. While couples can spend an entire trip strolling hand-in-hand from Tinker Street to Mill Hill Road while perusing local boutiques, what makes Woodstock ideal is its proximity to other outdoor excursions and equally adorable villages. The hike to Overlook Mountain is only a 10-minute walk from town, but with a car, you can also drive 40 minutes north to Kaaterskill Falls (New York’s highest cascading waterfall) or 30-minutes south to the Mohonk Preserve (a protected area with 85 miles of trails). Nearby destinations like uber-artsy Hudson, hippy-dippy New Paltz, and up-and-coming Kingston boast enough galleries, antique shops, and tasty dining options to keep even the antsiest New Yorker occupied for a long weekend.
But good things don’t always come to those who hustle, and sometimes the best thing a couple can do when they leave NYC’s busy streets is slow down. Whether you curl up in a rustic cabin (like this one on Airbnb) or order your meals in bed at The Herwood Inn (a queer-friendly hotel in the center of Woodstock), the Catskills gives New Yorkers the space needed to appreciate life’s simpler things.
Driving time from New York City: 2 hours
2. Big Sur, California
Photo: Songquan Deng/Shutterstock
Between San Francisco’s tech bubble and LA’s camera crews, California’s big-city couples need a place where they unplug from their screens and recharge with each other. Big Sur is the answer. No Instagram filter can match the raw beauty of the Santa Lucia Range or the rugged Pacific coastline, and even if one could, you’d have a hard time using it. Cell phone service is limited in Big Sur, and the only connection you’re likely to find is the one you make with your partner.
For Los Angelinos driving north, the road trip along California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway is half the fun. Stops in tiny towns like Ventura, Solvang, and San Luis Obispo are delightful detours from the dizzying coastline. Folx from the Bay Area have a shorter, though no less scenic, drive along Monterey Bay and over the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Once in Big Sur, plan on putting your phones away so you can focus on the essential things, like soaking in the Esalen Hot Springs, searching for purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, and taking a coastal hike to sites like McWay Falls — an 80-foot cascade that pours onto the beach below.
Couples craving an uninterrupted break from technology should splurge for a luxury bungalow at Post Ranch Inn, where the absence of an in-room phone and TV will ensure you focus on what matters most: the Pacific Ocean views (and each other, of course).
Driving time from the San Francisco Bay Area: 2.5 hours
Driving time from Los Angeles: 6 hours
Photo: Delmas Lehman/Shutterstock
If you want to shake up your relationship, try shaking up your perspective — literally. For Chicagoans sick of quarantining with their significant other in the Windy City, drive 45 miles along the southern edge of Lake Michigan until you reach Indiana Dunes National Park. Here, with your city’s skyline glittering in the distance, you’ll find the space necessary to remember what it is you love about your hometown and the life you built there together.
The park’s expanse of forests, wetlands, beaches, and prairies is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the US. It’s also one of Indiana’s most popular destinations: Nearly 3.5 million people visit annually to partake in outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for hiking around rolling dunes, black oak savannas, and fields of wildflowers. Winter draws smaller crowds but is no less idyllic for travelers interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing around roughly 50 miles of groomed trails.
Staying in an Airbnb like this colorful Michigan City retreat might be a welcome respite from a drab city apartment. The Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Valparaiso — equipped with whirlpools and fireplaces — is a slightly more expensive way to spoil yourselves. For those feeling homesick while staring at Chicago’s skyscrapers, don’t worry — at only an hour’s drive away, getting home couldn’t be easier.
Driving time from Chicago: 1 hour
4. Fredericksburg, Texas
Photo: Dean Fikar/Shutterstock
European borders might be closed for most Americans, but Texas-based couples dreaming of foreign lands are still in luck. Fredericksburg, a historic tourist town founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, blends Tuscany’s wineries with Munich’s oom-pah-pah to create a quirky escape with old-world flair.
Deutsch-style bakeries, beer halls, and bistros line Main Street, where most businesses beckon guests with signs that say “Willkommen.” Vino connoisseurs can sample local varietals at over a dozen wineries along Fredericksburg Wine Road 290. For something distinctly Texan, grab some biscuits at Emma + Ollie bakeshop before exploring nearby Enchanted Rock, a pink granite mountain located 17 miles north of town. Biking the 13-mile Willow City Loop is also a worthy outdoor adventure; if you visit in springtime, wildflowers like the Texas bluebonnet will be out in full force.
While Fredericksburg makes a doable day trip from most nearby cities, overnighting is recommended. The town is like a finely-aged syrah — big, bold, and liable to get you too drunk to drive home. If you’re looking for a hip place to nurse your hangover, try Contigo Ranch, where you and your partner can unwind in a private cottage equipped with an outdoor porch overlooking the bucolic property.
Driving time from Houston and Dallas: 4 hours
Driving time from Austin: 1.5 hours
Driving time San Antonio: 1 hour
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
The millennial catchphrase “good vibes only” takes earthly form in the red-rock monoliths of Sedona. Here, spiritual “vortexes” attract new-age health and wellness buffs who believe the area’s cosmic powers lead to mind-altering experiences. But don’t worry — Sedona isn’t only for crystal-carrying mystics. Between an abundance of lux hotels and spas, a vibrant art scene, and access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking, a trip to this desert Elysium makes for a rejuvenating romantic refuge.
If you’re in search of metaphysical healing, head to the vortex at Cathedral Rock — a challenging hike leading to impressive views of the rust-colored landscape. If you want to kick back and go with the flow, try Slide Rock State Park, where the erosion of a sandstone river bed creates a natural 80-foot water slide. For locally made goods and grub, peruse the crafts at Tlaquepaque — a shopping center resembling a Spanish-style village. Couples curious about the trajectory of their relationship may get a kick out of Center for the New Age, where psychics can give you a 30-minute reading for under $80.
Sedona is an excellent day-trip from Phoenix, but hotels like Enchantment Resort and L’Auberge de Sedona (check out its private outdoor showers), make overnighting in this epicenter of good energy worthwhile.
Driving time from Phoenix: 2 hours
6. St. Michaels, Maryland
Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
Whether you’re tired of politics in Washington, DC or falling out of brotherly love with Philadelphia, waterfront towns in Maryland and Delaware give people from the mid-Atlantic’s biggest metropoles a place to rest and relax. The boardwalks in Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City usually attract the most attention, so couples looking for something low-key should try St. Michaels — a quaint fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay.
Seafood is the star of the local food scene, and if you want to make your getaway a steamy one, indulge in the region’s favorite delicacy — oysters. This supposed aphrodisiac is usually celebrated by the locals every October during OysterFest, but you can still slurp shellfish throughout the year at Awful Arthur’s.
The waterfront and main drag can be explored in half a day, leaving plenty of time to kayak nearby waterways, investigate local history at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, or enjoy a seaside view from a bed and breakfast (try the Victoriana Inn). If you visit between spring and fall, don’t be surprised to find other couples enjoying a romantic escape. St. Michaels is a popular wedding destination, and in high season, newlyweds head to the aptly named Honeymoon Bridge to commemorate the event.
Driving time from Washington, DC: 2 hours
Driving time from Philadelphia: 2.5 hours
Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
An hour north of cement-swamped Jacksonville and an easy drive east from sprawling Atlanta lies Jekyll Island — a former Golden Isle retreat for Golden Age elite like the Rockefellers and the Carnegies. Although the business tycoons have long gone, the tranquility that initially attracted them to the area remains (as do a few of their extravagant “cottages”).
Unlike nearby Hilton Head Island, Jekyll Island only allows development on 35 percent of its land, saving the area from feeling like a congested tourist trap. Dense forests filled with live oaks swimming in Spanish moss stretch toward an uninterrupted beachfront, where you’ll find the bleached skeletons of dead trees along the oft-photographed Driftwood Beach.
If you’re looking for local attractions, check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (an education and rehabilitation facility for the endangered animals), the Wanderer Memory Trail (dedicated to the roughly 500 enslaved Africans smuggled here illegally in 1858), and the 250-acre Historic Landmark District. But don’t worry if you don’t get to it — between gator spotting at Horton Pond and lounging along dunes at Glory Beach, there’s plenty of people-free outdoor activities that couples can enjoy alone.
The island’s massive campground and RV site is a cheap option for an extended stay. For couples looking to pose as contemporary Pulitzers, check out the opulent Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Driving time from Jacksonville: 1 hour
Driving time from Atlanta: 5 hours
Photo: Steven Weinell/Shutterstock
Denver is one of the best cities in the US for outdoor-adventure addicts. Proximity to the Rocky Mountains means locals are only a short skip away from some of the best hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and camping in the country. But sometimes romance isn’t about mounting 14-ers and roughing it in the wild — sometimes it’s about rewarding one another with relaxation.
Glenwood Springs, a scenic three-hour drive from Denver, is the best place for couples looking to indulge. The town is home to three natural hot springs attractions where you can spend an entire weekend kicking back in steamy pools while enjoying views of rugged mountains. Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves and Iron Mountain Hot Springs are both worth a visit, but Glenwood Hot Springs is the local favorite. Not only has it served the public since 1888, making it the oldest business of the three, it’s also the largest. With a main pool that’s over 400 feet long and 100 feet wide, there’s plenty of space to get a little alone time underwater. (If you want extra-special alone time, book yourself a room steps from the pool.)
Once you’re both properly pruned from a therapeutic soak, take the shuttle from Glenwood Springs to Hanging Lake, a 1.2-mile hike that leads to a turquoise pool fed by Bridal Veil Falls. If Mother Nature could pick a spot for you to propose to your partner, this would be the place.
Driving time from Denver: 3 hours
The post The most romantic getaways from major US cities appeared first on Matador Network.
6 virtual experiences in Santa Fe
Most aspects of our world have been moving toward the digital for a while now — the current pandemic only accelerated the trend. But what about travel? What will travel look like in this increasingly digital age?
The “real thing” can only be experienced in person, of course, but more and more destinations are realizing that what they have to offer can and should be made available to people everywhere. Santa Fe is leading that charge — why shouldn’t we be able to see Georgia O’Keeffe’s best works, margarita in hand? What’s stopping us from scoping out virtual trails, diving deep into Indigenous history, or figuring out what the heck Meow Wolf really is, all from the comfort of our living room?
Nothing. With these six virtual experiences, travel — and some of the very best of The City Different — comes to you.
Experience #1: The Santa Fe Margarita Trail
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
The origins of the margarita are a bit murky, but one thing is certain: In Santa Fe, the drink’s history runs deep. The city was one of the first to import tequila from Mexico, and now it’s the “Margarita Capital of The World.” You want a taste of this tangy, world-class cocktail at its finest? You come to Santa Fe and hop on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, a route that unites 40+ of the country’s best margs.
And now you can do so virtually. Choose one of four recipes — straight from the trail’s hotspots — and get to tasting Santa Fe. Shake up La Reina’s La Ultima Palabra, learn the secrets behind Del Charro Saloon’s Silver Coin, sit pretty with La Choza’s Roca Bonita, or go simple with Cowgirl BBQ’s classic Cowgirl Cadillac. Keep those fresh limes stocked!
Experience #2: The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
Photo: Shutterstock/photoBeard
Known for her bold, innovative art, Georgia O’Keeffe is one of the 20th century’s most-loved painters. Santa Fe’s Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is a can’t-miss when you’re in town, and now, a lot of the collection is online.
“O’Keeffe From Anywhere” covers a lot of ground: Her art and photographs, her handwritten letters and home furnishings, it’s all accessible through your screen. You can even download creative activities for you and the kids, getting the fam to stretch their shading skills. (Tag the masterpieces with #okeeffeinspired if you post them.)
Note: Animal bones often inspired O’Keeffe’s paintings. “A Collection of Bones” is a 45-minute, expert-led video exploration of this aspect of her life and work.
Experience #3: Santa Fe’s era-spanning history
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
Santa Fe is one of America’s most culturally and historically diverse cities, and it’s got the museums to match. Here are just a few of the virtual offerings:
Alexander Girard — an interior and textile designer who hung out with the likes of Andy Warhol and Eero Saarinen — donated more than 100,000 objects to the International Folk Art Museum. You can now check out Alexander Girard: A Designer’s Universe online.The Santa Fe Children’s Museum posts activities for the kiddos almost daily. Bubble-making? Nature yoga? Yes, please.If you want to dive into the Old West, you got it. El Rancho de las Golondrinas, an authentic living-history museum south of the city, is running live living-history sessions on everything 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico, from flamenco to chile to baking bread in mud-brick, wood-fired ovens.Experience #4: Santa Fe cooking classes
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
The Santa Fe School of Cooking has gone almost entirely online, and classes start at $20 each. The options are stunning: Choose between Georgia O’Keeffe’s favorite local and seasonal recipes; taste New Mexican favorites like green chile chicken tamales and blue corn pecan pancakes; go for fine-dining, Mexican style (think salmon baked in banana leaves and smoked chicken with mole); up your vegetarian game with goat cheese enchiladas with tomatillo sauce and frijoles borrachos; or even explore Santa Fe’s take on Bolivian cuisine.
Local chefs and James Beard Award-winning authors walk you through the intricacies of every Santa Fe flavor, showcasing refined techniques in easy-to-apply ways.
Experience #5: Into the (virtual) outdoors
Photo: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone
The team at TOURISM Santa Fe and a handful of the city’s outdoor experts took Google Trekker — a 50lb panoramic camera — and documented 25 of the area’s best outdoor experiences, from the Railyard Park to nearby Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. No more do you have to rely on clicking through Google Maps and trying to visualize the scenery you’re in for. Now, you can explore it step-by-step (an image was captured every two seconds!).
Experience #6: The city’s unmatched art scene
Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe
Santa Fe is one of the largest arts markets in the country — and not just for turquoise. From museums to galleries to gardens to inexplicable immersive experiences, you’d never see it all, even if you were here in person. But with the city’s virtual art opportunities, you can start chipping away right now:
Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return has always been something that defies definition. You’ve probably heard of it, and you’ve probably been curious — what is it? Well, now it’s in 360º.A two-hour virtual painting session could be what gets you or the kids started on a new hobby. Santa Fe Art Classes will have you painting your own Grand Canyon, your own O’Keeffe tides, all from your own makeshift art studio. BYO paints.Turner Carroll Gallery, a Santa Fe institution since 1991, has put its exhibits — collected from artists the world over — entirely online.Prescott Studio’s Gallery and Sculpture Garden is now up and ready for a walk-through, and this isn’t just any walk-through. Bright-pink elephants, teal flamingos — we’re talking serious technicolor joy.With just a few clicks, you can explore more virtual adventures and experiences via TOURISM Santa Fe. Even if you can’t be here, you can let The City Different inspire you.
The post 6 virtual experiences that bring the best of Santa Fe to you appeared first on Matador Network.
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