This miso pea pastina is a welcome way to eat your greens
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I love the warm, lush summers of the Midwest and the dry, mild winters of Mexico, but my favorite season in England, my new home, is, without a doubt, spring. On a recent walk, I was blown away by how many shades of green one vista could contain. The color of the grassy field I stood in was so deep that it was almost blue, while the trees in the background presented a range of limes and olives. I snapped a picture, but it failed to capture the beauty in front of me. It always does.
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Travel Weekly
2 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Hyatt all-inclusives are getting into immersive offerings
That today's luxury travelers are seeking immersive programming is well established. The all-inclusive sector, however, has traditionally focused on a relatively straightforward formula, centered less on immersion and more on sun, sand and endless buffets. Ana Tomicevic But as the industry evolves to tap into experiential demand, market leader Hyatt Hotels Corp. is bolstering its portfolio of 140-plus all-inclusives with programming that Ana Tomicevic, global vice president of brand and marketing for Hyatt's Inclusive Collection said is designed to "take things to the next level." "We know people want unique experiences, and our properties do a great job of doing that today," Tomicevic said. "But how can we innovate even more?" While the all-inclusive industry as a whole has made significant strides in elevating its culinary offerings over the years, raising the bar further on food and beverage remains a key focus, according to Tomicevic. She pointed to recent developments such as the Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club's vegan restaurant and the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island's "eco-garden," where the Cancun resort sources some of its farm-to-table ingredients. As part of its more Gen Z-oriented positioning, the adults-only Hyatt Vivid concept also emphasizes what Tomicevic describes as a "casual over formality" dining approach, featuring grab-and-go poolside taco trucks and ceviche bars that eliminate traditional restaurant wait times. A poolside pop-up at a Dreams resort, created in partnership with MasterChef Junior. Photo Credit: Inclusive Collection The company's newest and perhaps most unconventional dining program targets even younger foodies. Earlier this year, the Inclusive Collection unveiled a program created in partnership with the culinary competition television series "MasterChef Junior," rolling out kid-friendly experiences and menu offerings inspired by the show across select Dreams resorts. Designed for children ages 6 to 12, activities include a Mystery Box Challenge at the Explorer's Club kids club, where children compete to create themed dishes, and pop-up poolside activations like a customizable Popsicle station. "For kids, by kids" menus are crafted by "MasterChef Junior" season 9 winner Bryson McGlynn and season 8 semifinalist Ivy Childs. McGlynn's menu showcases dishes like Alabama Pow Pow Shrimp Tacos, made with Cajun-battered shrimp, while Childs' features the Jacky O' Chicken, panko-crusted chicken breast paired with mustard, thyme, tomato and capers, among other ingredients. The MasterChef Junior programming and menus are currently available at four Dreams properties in Mexico and the Caribbean, with expansion to a dozen more Dreams resorts set to follow shortly. "We're really trying to expose kids to different flavors and different cuisines," Tomicevic said. "Instead of just having chicken nuggets and fries, we're introducing them to different tastes and different experiences through cooking." Fitness and other activities Culinary isn't the only area where the Inclusive Collection is expanding its programming. As part of Hyatt's partnership with Peloton, the portfolio has also been introducing the fitness brand's eponymous exercise bikes to Inclusive Collection properties, with guests able to connect their Peloton and World of Hyatt loyalty program accounts and earn points during workouts. "You're burning your calories, and you're earning points at the same time," Tomicevic said. The immersive focus also extends to what Tomicevic describes as more "culturally relevant" experiences and entertainment. She points to offerings like traditional temazcal sweat lodge rituals available at several properties or pottery wheel throwing, one of many activities offered at the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island. The Inclusive Collection's experiential push comes as Hyatt's all-inclusive business posts strong gains -- up 7% in booking pace for the second quarter -- even as economic uncertainty puts pressure on broader U.S. leisure demand. "People are really being more sensitive in how they spend their money," said Tomicevic, who added that the format's inherent value proposition appeals to cost-conscious travelers. "We know that's a reality, and I think that is benefiting all-inclusive." Also helping drive demand is the Inclusive Collection's continued expansion. Just this month, the portfolio announced the opening of the Secrets Baby Beach Aruba and the Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa, the collection's first Secrets resorts on those islands. "Aruba has never traditionally been an all-inclusive market, and in St. Lucia, while there are some all-inclusives, it's not a traditional one either," Tomicevic said. "So those are definitely going to be interesting."
CNN
5 hours ago
- CNN
The Nomadix Festival Blanket turns any terrain into a lounge space. Here's why it's my new summer staple
As soon as spring temperatures begin to creep over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun emerges from behind the clouds, I race to get outdoors and embrace the weather (and a good book) as soon as I can. And an afternoon spent lounging at the park, pool or beach isn't complete without a good blanket to spread out on. For years now, I've seen and even written about the Nomadix Festival Blanket, which promises to give you a comfortable and protective surface to lounge on, no matter where you are. Nomadix towels are already staples on my travel packing list, and after testing the Festival Blanket for myself over the past few weeks, it's quickly become one of my most essential pieces of outdoor gear and surely will remain so for many summers to come. Nomadix Festival Blanket The Nomadix Festival Blanket turns any terrain into a lounge space. Designed with a waterproof, dirt-resistant base layer and a soft top to lie on, it's a great companion for park picnics or days at the beach. The durable build and its lightweight, packable design make it well worth the $70 price tag. It holds up against the elements What sets the Nomadix Festival Blanket apart from the throw blanket on the back of your couch is that it's designed with the outdoors in mind. The blanket is made of two layers: The first is a microsuede top layer designed to keep lounging comfortable, and the second is a water-resistant bottom layer to keep you clean and dry on damp or dusty ground. The bottom layer is really what makes this a blanket built for the outdoors, and by protecting you from damp grass or sticky sand, the Nomadix Festival Blanket turns pretty much any surface into one you can sit on. During my testing, dirt, sand and water rolled right off the bottom layer of the blanket. These elements were equally as easy to shake loose from the blanket once my park or beach day was done, which helped ensure my tote bag didn't end up full of debris. Both the top and bottom layers of the Festival Blanket are made from postconsumer recycled polyester, which might make you feel a little less ecological guilt for buying something new. It's comfortable Once it's spread out, the Nomadix Festival Blanket looks and feels, for the most part, like a normal picnic blanket. The blanket overall is pretty thin but still has enough protection to keep you from feeling like you're sitting directly on the ground. The microsuede top feels soft to lie on, and, unlike other blankets I've tried, the material didn't stick to my skin once my arms and legs started to sweat, which I appreciated. The blanket is also spacious. I'm 5 feet, 7 inches tall on a good day and was able to comfortably lie down across the blanket with plenty of room left over for my bag, books or an extra lounging companion. Nomadix's Festival Blanket comes in 14 different print options, and I found the blue polka dot design decorating my blanket utterly adorable. It's a small thing, but it brought me a little extra dose of joy to see the bright pattern sprawled out in the sunshine. Despite how cute it looks, it's worth noting that the microsuede top isn't quite as element-resistant as the blanket's bottom. When shaken or brushed off, sand and large dirt particles are easily removed from the blanket, though darker dirt or mud clumps might leave behind some stains. The top is also not water-resistant, so if you spill your drink or hop down onto the blanket after a dip in the ocean, it'll stay damp unless you allow it to dry out in the direct sun. Any discoloration left behind by dirt or spills was gone after I washed the blanket, but just know that you'll be compromising some element-resistance on the top for the sake of comfort, which I found to be a pretty fair trade. It's lightweight and packable On my first outing with the Nomadix Festival Blanket in tow, I didn't head to the park right away. Instead, I roamed around New York City for a few hours — running errands, doing some window shopping and even checking out some new exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art — all the while shocked that my shoulder wasn't feeling weighted down by the blanket I was carrying. When I did finally make it to the park, I took the blanket out of my bag and spread it across the ground without any issues. When it first arrived at my door, I expected the blanket to be much heavier than it is. Despite the generous 60-by-72-inch size, it only weighs 2 pounds. I also anticipated the blanket being thicker, since it has two different fabric sides, but it folded up small enough to easily throw in my tote bag along with a water bottle, wallet, e-reader and other odds and ends. Plus, the Nomadix blanket actually stayed folded up and compact while it was in my bag, which isn't always the case with outdoor blankets. This made it easier to see the rest of the items I'd packed and prevented me from having to take the blanket out of my tote to dig for something underneath it. To test its packability even further, I stashed the Nomadix Festival Blanket in my carry-on for a weeklong trip to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It was no trouble to throw in my duffel bag and fit comfortably in my Mystery Ranch daypack when I wanted to take it on beach excursions. In all these instances, I almost always forgot I had a full-size blanket in my bag, since the Festival Blanket is both lightweight and low profile when folded up. It doesn't include stakes One of the best things about the Nomadix Festival Blanket is that it's designed with loops on each of the four corners so you can secure the blanket to the ground using stakes. Because the blanket is so lightweight, the corners do have a tendency to fold back on themselves on windy days, so being able to stake the blanket to the ground can make a world of difference, preventing you from getting wrapped into a blanket burrito and having to readjust your spread every few minutes. But the Nomadix Festival Blanket doesn't come with its own set of stakes. This isn't a deal breaker, and Nomadix clearly states that stakes aren't included with the blanket on its site. All it took was a run to my local hardware store and an extra $6 to find stakes that would do the job. Alternatively, you could grab a few sticks or rocks from around your lounging site, but when you're shelling out $70 for a blanket, it'd be nice if there were some stakes already thrown in with the purchase. It's not cheap Look, $70 is a decent amount to spend on a blanket, especially when you could get by using an old throw or sheet for your summer outings. However, it's worth considering that the Nomadix Festival Blanket provides more protection from the elements than any old fleece throw. Compared to other waterproof outdoor blankets from competitors like Yeti, RTIC and Rumpl, the Nomadix Blanket is cheaper by a margin of anywhere from $30 to $130. Even less expensive outdoor blankets, like this one from still start at around $60. Given the quality of its build, its packability and the cost of competing outdoor blankets, I don't think $70 is an outrageous price to pay for the Nomadix Festival Blanket, especially since I'm confident that it's durable enough to last for many years to come. The Nomadix Festival Blanket is an all-around great outdoor blanket, and now it's really the only one I think of grabbing when I see that the sun's out. It's thoughtfully designed with stake loops, a soft microsuede top and a waterproof, dirt-resistant bottom that ensures the elements stay where they belong. Though it's big enough for two people to sprawl out on, it's still lightweight and portable enough to carry around all day, making it great for those who like to explore. If you already have a picnic blanket or beach blanket that's serving you just fine, you probably don't need to shell out $70 on the Nomadix Festival Blanket. But if you're looking for a replacement, an upgrade or a gift for the adventurous folks in your life, the Nomadix Festival Blanket has proved to be a versatile outdoor blanket that makes a great companion for any outing. Can you wash the Nomadix Festival Blanket? Can you wash the Nomadix Festival Blanket? Yes, the Nomadix Festival Blanket is machine-washable. After a few days dirtying up my blanket at the park, I machine-washed it with a load of other towels and linens using the cool temperature setting. You can hang the blanket to dry to save energy, but I took the convenient route and tumble-dried mine on low heat. It came out looking as good as new with no visible fading or damage. How do Nomadix blankets compare to other outdoor blankets? How do Nomadix blankets compare to other outdoor blankets? It's hard to say how the Nomadix Festival blanket compares to every outdoor blanket out there. Previously, I was using this Therm-A-Rest Argo Blanket for my park days, and I do prefer the Nomadix Festival Blanket since it's waterproof and more comfortable to lie on. While the Nomadix blanket is a bit pricier than run-of-the-mill quilts or beach blankets you can grab on Amazon, it has a much more thoughtful design. I can tell the Nomadix blanket is thoughtfully made for sitting and spreading out, as opposed to just warmth. Intentional features like the waterproof base ensure you stay dry while the microsuede top keeps you comfortable and doesn't stick to your skin as you sweat. Nomadix also makes a few other blankets, including a Blanket Towel and a Puffer Blanket, though I haven't reviewed either yet myself. We are, however, big fans of the Nomadix Original Towel for saving space and keeping us dry when we travel. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Nomadix Festival blanket, packing it for days at the park and international vacations, to see how it held up.
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Travel + Leisure
7 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
You Can Now Rent King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Favorite Country Estate
It's not every day that you get to say your vacation is fit for royalty. But with a new stay thanks to Oliver's Travels, you can. The travel agency is now helping travelers book unforgettable stays at The Folly at Sandringham, a stunning cottage retreat set in Sandringham , a private woodland country estate in the U.K.—it's owned by the royal family and one of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's favorite getaway destinations. The cottage, Oliver's Travels says, was originally constructed as a spot for the women in the royal family and their guests to retire to for tea in the afternoon, and has been lovingly upgraded into a "luxurious retreat" for all. "The Folly honors its romantic past while embracing modern comfort," the listing says. "Period features—stone hearths, arched entryways, hand-finished floors—have been lovingly preserved." And throughout the home, guests will find "royal artefacts from the private collection [that] add depth and authenticity." The royal luxury begins right when you step up to the home, with a gorgeous wraparound porch that allows you to sit and savor the stunning grounds for as long as you wish. Inside, guests will find a warm drawing room filled with cozy furnishings and French doors that open to the garden outside, making it an ideal spot to sit in the summer and let the country breeze flow through. "It's a space for reading, conversation, or simply watching the garden come to life," the company says. A cozy fireplace lights one of the living areas. Down a small staircase, guests will find a full kitchen and dining area that's just as chic as you'd expect, painted in "heritage turquoise." The space is perfect for those who want to cook and share a meal, thanks to its oversized sinks, electric range, and generous countertop space. When they're ready, guests can retire upstairs to sleep in one of the three double bedrooms spread across two separate wings, perfect for large families and large groups of friends. And yes, the primary bedroom has a king-size bed fit for Charles. It even has a fireplace that only adds to the royal romance. Interior of one of the guest rooms. The home also has a turret, a small tower that can be accessed through a stone staircase outside. At the top, guests can take in the sweeping views of the estate. "It's a serene spot for journaling, sketching, or morning coffee in the canopy," Oliver's Travels adds. Panoramic views from the lounge in the turret. "From your doorstep, the entire Sandringham Estate is yours to explore. Meandering trails, formal gardens, and open meadows invite long walks and peaceful moments," the listing says. Guests can also visit Sandringham House, located on the same grounds, which is open from April to October. While there, visitors can indulge in other royal activities and experiences, including afternoon tea, guided tours, and Forest School sessions on the grounds (these require advanced booking, so plan ahead). Or, simply book the property to do nothing at all. "The Folly is a place that invites rest, wonder, and reconnection," Oliver's Travels says. "Layered in heritage, surrounded by nature, and designed with care. This is a stay where every detail tells a story." Who knows, you may even run into a real-life king (or a prince) while you're there, too.
