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Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
I've been to all 50 states, but one US city makes me feel like I've stepped into another country
I've been to all 50 states, but Santa Fe, New Mexico, feels unlike anywhere else I've ever visited. The architecture makes me feel like I'm walking through a beautifully preserved historic village. I love that art is everywhere, from public murals and street galleries to handmade sculptures. I've traveled to all 50 states and visited hundreds of cities in the process, but Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands out in a way that's hard to explain. The city, built on the traditional lands of the Northern and Southern Tewa, reflects centuries of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish history in its language, art, food, and even street names. From the moment I first arrived over 12 years ago, I immediately felt like I was transported to a different country. The colors, pace, food, and architecture are all unlike anywhere else I've experienced in the US — which is why I've traveled back countless times. Santa Fe is full of distinct architecture. You won't find glass skyscrapers or cookie-cutter homes here. Santa Fe's low-slung adobe buildings, soft curves, and natural colors are rooted in the traditions of Pueblo and Spanish Colonial architecture. These adobe structures give the whole city a warm, earthy tone that feels more like a preserved historic village than a modern capital city. Strict building codes have been in place since the 1950s to maintain this aesthetic consistency throughout the city, making walking through town feel like wandering through an open-air museum. Art and creativity are integral to the city. Santa Fe has long attracted artists, writers, and spiritual seekers. In fact, the famed Canyon Road is a half-mile stretch of land home to over 80 galleries and studios. However, art isn't just confined to designated spaces — it's woven into everything. Public murals, street-side sculptures, handmade pottery, weavings, and spiritual symbols appear everywhere you look. I recommend visiting Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return, an immersive art experience where visitors can interact directly with the installations. The many unique and historic accommodations perfectly match the city's vibe. Santa Fe's hotels aren't just places to sleep — they're often extensions of the city's identity. I love staying at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, an iconic building in the heart of town. With hand-painted tiles, wood-beamed ceilings, and a warm, historic feel, staying here felt like waking up in another country. There are also dozens of cozy inns, casitas, and bed-and-breakfasts tucked away throughout the city, many of which are located in historic adobe homes. These make it easy to feel like a local, even just for a weekend. New Mexican cuisine is rooted in history and tradition. The food in Santa Fe is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. The cuisine blends Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences into bold, flavorful dishes. Many dishes are served with red or green chile sauce, and if you can't decide on one, you can order "Christmas style" — a combination of both. From stacked enchiladas and carne adovada to breakfast burritos and sopapillas served with local honey, you won't leave hungry. There's so much natural beauty in Santa Fe. Santa Fe sits over 7,000 feet above sea level and is dramatically surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The landscape is diverse, featuring pine forests, desert hills, and wildflowers, so there's always something new to explore. Plus, the sunsets are unreal, casting a golden glow across the adobe walls and desert cliffs. The dramatic, vivid colors of the sky and landscape even inspired artists like Georgia O'Keeffe to capture them in their work.
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This $10 Million Spanish Colonial Honors Los Feliz's Artful Architectural Lineage
The facade reads classic Spanish Colonial, yet inside, considered choices make this Los Feliz beauty unmistakably its own. Andrew Bramasco 'Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.' Frank Lloyd Wright said that, and some of those loose objects were his own. Two of his best‑known works—Hollyhock House and the Ennis House—landed right here. In the neighborhood known as Los Feliz. Wright, a champion of organic architecture and a critic of overbuilding, took the serrated hillside of Los Feliz as a fitting canvas for his young Mayan Revival experiments. He wasn't alone. Wallace Neff, Richard Neutra, Gregory Ain, R. M. Schindler, and Wright's son, Lloyd Wright, all drew lines across these slopes. The results are still visible in stucco and steel and glass, perched above canyons, tucked along curling streets, looking out toward the Observatory and the basin beyond. Residents are similarly storied. The neighborhood has been a longtime refuge for the recognizable. Early days brought Walt Disney, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlie Chaplin. More recently, Brad Pitt, Jon Hamm, Natalie Portman. Here a pattern emerges. Creative wealth hires ambitious architects, who produce buildings that attract creative wealth. Light from arched French doors skims across groin‑vaulted ceilings in one of the signature rooms at 2720 Glendower Avenue, Los Feliz. Andrew Bramasco Not every house is by a marquee name, yet many carry the marks of mastery—confident, crafted and unconventional. Just like 2720 Glendower Avenue. Folded into the hillside on a green promontory, the restored Spanish Colonial, designed by prolific Southern California architect Theodore J. Scott, was completed in 1928, just five years after the Ennis House, a short bend away. One can imagine Wright's stone giant entering Scott's peripheral vision on his way to work and, perhaps, encouraging a bolder line. The sitting room's carved fireplace, decorative ceiling beams and other traditional notes remain, holding the home's original spirit. Andrew Bramasco Boldness shows up here in thoughtful ways. In the main living room, groin‑vaulted ceilings gather the light, then scatter it across plaster curves. A procession of French doors draw the eye outward to a terrace and pool, where the white domes of Griffith Observatory shine high on the hillside. Inside, a sitting room's dark wood beams carry intricate carvings that invite closer inspection. The two‑story foyer turns upward around a curved staircase ribboned with custom-stained glass. Scott's signatures surface in original hardwood floors, arched openings and handmade clay tile that records the pressure and deftness of craftsmen's hands. Strokes of red travertine deliver color without losing the home's mineral register. Andrew Bramasco In 2023, after 95 years, the five-bedroom home received a full restoration by award-winning architecture studio 22RE, who favored strong gestures. Slabs of red travertine anchor moments throughout. En-suite bathroom walls wear patterned tiling that reads as composition rather than ornament. Oversized black casement windows reframe views and pull more of the hillside into the interior. Nothing is overstated. Selections that set a mood instead of demanding attention. The primary wing adds a soaking tub, a custom walk‑in closet and a private terrace. Andrew Bramasco That stylish ease feels distinctly Los Feliz—a little daring yet effortless. The home manages warmth and intimacy without softening its stance. You get the original bones, the historical grain and then a contemporary clarity layered on top. Old and new in conversation. The dialogue never veers into debate. Driving up the winding road that leads to 2720 Glendower, it's easy to see why such a concentration of architectural thinking has gathered on this one hillside. Geography plays a part. It lifts the house into light and air while holding it close to the land. On the terrace, water moves at the pool's edge. The city sits at a distance. From its hillside seat, the skyline reads in one continuous line. Andrew Bramasco Los Feliz values the bold and experimental. Good projects tend to find their way here. The Glendower house fits neatly into that tradition. Priced at $9.99 million, the listing for 2720 Glendower Avenue is held by Jonathan Mogharrabi and Marci Kays of Carolwood Estates. Carolwood Estates is a member of Forbes Global Properties , an invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes.
India.com
04-07-2025
- India.com
Wander Back In Time: The 5 Most Mysterious Alleys In Goa Revealed!
The charm of Goa lies deeply interwoven in its culture, cuisine, and its nightlife but most famous for its heritage left by the Portuguese. Below bustling marketplaces and touristy beaches lies a city filled with unmapped narrow alleys waiting to be explored. Each of them holds stories within them making the city irresistible to those with a keen interest in history and architecture. Latin Quarter The most picturesque and culturally rich area in Goa is without a doubt Fontainhas, The Latin Quarter. This is my favorite part of Goa. Located in Panjim, this culture-rich heritage site is famous for its narrow streets and colorful houses built in the Spanish Colonial style. The homes here are striking, painted red, blue and yellow. These quaint houses have ornate balconies and roofs with red tiles sculpted with hand-painted stories from colonial times. Bebinca, a dessert made sideways and served with coconut milk, and feni, a strong drink made out of fermented cashew juices, are local delicacies that give an undeniable taste of Goa's rich culinary heritage. Remember to check out some local bakeries and bars to grab a bite. Tome Next to Fontainhas is the relatively unknown Sao Tome area which is a delight to every history buff and literature enthusiast. This part of the neighborhood used to be occupied by towering Goan writers and poets whose inspirations stemmed from the tranquil ambience. The side streets are calmer, filled with charming little bookshops, vintage stores, and concealed art galleries. You can start your visit at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts where contemporary art exhibitions and workshops are held. If you go further, you may come across an old working printing press which had a major impact on Goa's literary history. S Forgotten Lane Ribandar is one of the less traveled parts of Goa. At the same time, it still has plenty of stories to tell. It used to be a trade center during Portuguese rule and now is a shadow of its former self. The city used to have grandiose mansions and docks which set the foundations of the Ribandar region's beauty. The Rua de Ourem is definitely one of the beautiful places to visit, the small street allows access to picturesque views of the Mandovi River. As you stroll through this narrow lane, you will find hidden chapels and ancient banyan trees, along with the ruins of long-gone commerce and culture. Spice Alley in Mapusa The Friday market in Mapusa is famous, but not a lot of people know of the small narrow spice alley. This little corner of the city is a delightful treat for the senses, with the nostalgic smell of ground spices, dried fish, and even the traditional Goan sweets. You will meet some vendors who have been selling here for a long time and have stories to tell. The spice alley is also a testament to the multiculturalism that Goa has to offer. The amalgamation is clearly portrayed with families of different faiths, Muslims, Christians and Hindus jovially working together. Goa To explore Goa's hidden alleys, one must visit Old Goa or Velha Goa. It was the capital of Portuguese India and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has grand churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, but aside from that, Velha Goa has many unexplored relics of India's past. The ruins of St. Augustine Tower are one such relic. It is a beautifully haunting site that tells us a lot about the city's colonial past. The Adil Shah Palace is another one of the hidden treasures. Though it is now a ruin, it still has an aura of grandeur surrounding it. Finding The Alleys: For Those Who Like to Explore Comfortable Shoes: Wear sturdy shoes because the alleys tend to be cobblestoned or uneven. Local Guides: An expert on the area can tell you useful stories and important facts that may enrich your experience. Timing: The early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to roam around in order to avoid the harsh sun. Respect: Try to be mindful of other people's space as these alleyways tend to be less secluded.
Telegraph
12-06-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect two-week holiday in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,641 islands on Asia's eastern edge, may still be off the radar for many travellers (it receives a fraction of the British visitors that neighbouring Thailand does, and fewer than both Cambodia and Vietnam), but its profile is on the rise – meaning now is the time to go. It is, of course, a long way to travel (there are no direct flights, so it'll take you somewhere in the region of 18 hours), so it makes sense to allow two weeks of island-hopping to truly absorb its ever-changing diversity. An ideal trip should include stops in Cebu and Vigan, for a taste of the country's Spanish colonial legacy, as well as a visit to the islands around El Nido, for world-class beaches and coral reefs; to Bohol, to meet tiny bug-eyed tarsiers; and Banaue, to see its amphitheatre of rice-terraces. A perfect trip should also incorporate plenty of opportunities to sample the country's meaty, soy-and-vinegar infused cuisine – unlike any other in Asia – especially in Manila, where the restaurant scene explodes with contemporary options. But the real highlight? The Filipinos themselves – the friendliest, most upbeat people in Asia. The level of English is extremely high throughout the country, so cheerful conservation comes easily, and despite having been through a great deal of hardship – colonialism, Japanese occupation, Marcos's political dictatorship – they've nevertheless come out smiling… and singing a lot of karaoke. Days 1 & 2 Cebu City Conquistadors and Catholics Aim for a flight which gets you into the Philippines' second city – located on the eastern coast of Cebu Island – by early evening (Cathay Pacific 's overnight flight from London, for example, connects via Hong Kong and arrives at 6pm). The airport is set on tiny Mactan Island, so check in to nearby Crimson Resort and Spa (B&B doubles from £151) and spend the evening relaxing after your long journey. The following morning, it's time to head into the hurley-burly of Cebu City – the country's most historic city – roughly an hour's drive from the resort. A taxi will cost you between 100-300 Philippine pesos (£1.30-4), and the drive will take you across the spectacular Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, which meanders over the sea for 5.5 miles. Start at Plaza Sugbu, where you'll find a replica of Magellan's Cross, erected in 1515 to signal Spain's arrival, outside a cavernous 16 th -century basilica that's home to a sacred doll-like relic called Santo Niño. The Spanish got serious here in 1565 and built Fort San Pedro, though its 8ft-thick coral-stone walls now enclose a frangipani tree courtyard. For lunch, migrate to The Barracks inside Carbon Market, where hawker food stalls cook-up fresh sizzling butter crab and Cebu favourite, tuslob buwa (pork liver and brains). Each dish will cost you roughly £2-4. Walk off lunch by visiting the historic houses which survived America's 1945 bombardment (intended to drive out the Japanese) – a particularly excellent example is period-furnished Casa Gorordo, which dates from 1863, where you'll find polished mahogany floors and coral glass window (plus Bo's Coffee café downstairs, where you can pick up a reviving iced latte). Next, make time for a spot of shopping at Anthill Fabric Gallery, an emporium which showcases fine Cebuano weaving, and at Alegre, where you can watch guitars being made from mango wood. Finish on a Spanish theme with tapas at Enye, watching waiters blow-torch seared tuna steaks table-side. Days 3 & 4 Southern Cebu Island A local feast Head south for an artisan foodie day. A favoured pitstop is the city of Carcar, roughly one hour and 45 minutes drive from Cebu City, famed for lechon (whole roasted pig) and chicharron (similar to pork scratchings). Mayu Restaurant is a popular place for both, where a 500g portion of the latter (for two) costs £7. An hour further south, the coastal town of Argao reveals an imposing 1780s coral-stone church, St Michael Archangel, where the belltower once doubled as a lookout for pirates. Argao is a hub for cottage industry food producers, so make time for a visit to the family Guilang factory, which has been making chocolate tablets since 1948. It's the staple of a Cebuano breakfast of sikwate (oozingly thick hot chocolate) with sticky rice coconut triangles wrapped in banana leaves and fresh mango – and will likely be the best 60p you ever spend. Also worth a stop is Jesse Magallones, which bakes the popular fiesta cake, torta, made from tuba (coconut sap) and lard, and Leonilo Sedon, which ferments suka pinakurat hot and spicy coconut vinegar, vital to Filipino cooking. Tonight, check-in at the newly opened Cebu Beach Club (B&B doubles from £173), where 36 clifftop rooms look out over the Camotes Sea toward Bohol Island. If you've time, end your day by swimming with sea-turtles off the white-sand beach below. Back to nature It's time to get active. Cross Cebu Island's rain-forested spine to a protected marine reserve, Tañon Strait, set in a sea channel facing Negros Island, then take a small boat to Moalboal for the unique experience of swimming with tens of thousands of sardines near Panagsama Beach. For a quirky lunch, try fish sutukil at Lola Tanciang's Seafood Paluto – the name ('su-tu-kil') is a portmanteau of grill, soup and ceviche, all prepared using the same piece of fish, typically grouper. After lunch, hike the spearmint-coloured Matutinao River to a swimming hole beneath the 42ft-high Kawasan Waterfall. Canyoneering is popular here, with excursions by Kawasan Dante's Peak Canyoneering costing £28 and including lunch. In far Southern Cebu Island, tours take guests to snorkel with whale-sharks, with trips from £23. Days 5 & 6 Panglao and Bohol Islands A little limestone brother Take the two-hour ferry or ' bangka ' (traditional outrigger boats) from Cebu to neighbouring Bohol, one of the Philippines most visited islands. Find somewhere to stay on tiny Panglao, an island which sits at Bohol's south-western tip and hosts the pick of the two islands' beach resorts. The most popular is the 88-room Bohol Beach Club (B&B doubles from £160), set on Dumaluan Beach's fine white sand (they also run diving and snorkelling trips to Pamilacan Island, to see coral gardens, turtles and spinner dolphins, from £80 per person), while the boutique Amarela Resort (B&B doubles from £113) is a more classic option and has a breezy sea-view restaurant serving Filipino fare. For sundowners, head to the neoclassical-looking Villa Umi, where there's a stylish bar right on the beach. Panglao's craggy karst limestone is omnipresent, from the 19 th -century Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (built from fossiliferous coral stone) to the island's subterranean swimming lagoons, natural sinkholes known as cenotes (the most popular of which is Hinagdanan cave – though opt for an early dip if you want to beat the crowds). For lunch, Bohol Bee Farm is a whimsical farm-to-plate restaurant with views to Mindanao Island. Its sharing farm platter (£37) features chops, baked tuna, ribs, garden salad, and paper-thin spring rolls, mostly made with local produce, which supports the livelihoods of more than 500 farmers and staff. Chocolate Hills and bug-eyed critters Spend a day exploring Bohol Island's eclectic sights. Its UNESCO Global Geopark status is spearheaded by the outstanding Chocolate Hills, 17,000 rounded coral hills weathered smooth like a basket of eggs, so named because the dry season (November-May) causes the vegetation to take on a brown hue. Avoid the coach-parties to the popular Carmen viewpoint by visiting before 8am. Equally iconic are tarsiers, tiny prosimian primates with trademark huge, wide eyes. The easiest place to spot them is at a tarsier sanctuary at Corella, where you'll see them dozing in the trees. Similarly strange are Bohol's remarkable 'dinosaur eggs', or Asín tibuók, oblong balls of salt made from tidal water and burnt coconut husks. Visit the Manongas family workshop to see their extraordinary processing of these salt eggs (and buy one for £11). A non-beach alternative to Panglao is Loboc River Resort (B&B doubles from £133) – 35 cottages immersed in riverside forest. For dinner, head to Tagbilaran for Bohol's most contemporary offering, Animula Tasting Room, which serves Filipino favourites such as beef asado with a twist, in an ultra-modern space. Day 7, 8 & 9 Palawan Island Hit the beach It's a 1hr 45 minute flight from Bohol to the West Philippines Sea's adventure playground, Palawan Island. Beach tourism's hub is El Nido, set among jagged limestone islands that are home to the silkiest beaches and priciest resorts. El Nido's 237,000-acre marine reserve is a mosaic of mangroves and corals; ideal for kayaking and snorkelling with superb diving. Lio Beach is a 4km stretch of white sand facing Cadlao Island, with plenty of upmarket food and hotel offerings. The 153-room Seda Lio Hotel (B&B doubles from £290) is backed by rainforest, with garden rooms by a large infinity pool. If you fancy a break from the meat-heavy traditional cuisine, Lio's upscale beach dining scene offers more health-conscious options, including Saboria, which serves lighter fusion Philippine cuisine, PLNT+HRVST (vegetarian-vegan) and Punta Playa, a breezy Mediterranean bistro. Two of El Nido's finest beaches are Duli – also the reserve's best surf spot – and Nacpan, 4km of golden sand facing a private island owned by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao. Stick around for the night by booking into the 16-room Angkla Resort (B&B doubles from £333), which is built around a tropical courtyard, or opt for air-conditioned glamping at Nacpan Beach Glamping (doubles from £240 per person). Younger crowds might prefer the mass market beach scene around downtown El Nido, which unleashes its inner Pattaya vibe. It's worth a gawp to see the party and bar scene or get a cheap massage, and for surprisingly excellent sushi and seafood restaurants – like the earthy and inexpensive Sea Jane Resto Bar, where fish, lobster or prawns are grilled fresh, and upstairs tables overlook Bacuit Bay. Castaway Staying on a private island can be eye-wateringly expensive (even in the Philippines, where the likes of Banwa will set you back a cool £73,000 per night), but there are more affordable resorts amid the offshore limestone islands. One such option is Miniloc Island Resort (all-inclusive doubles from £733), a laid-back spot with thatched rooms (some overwater) located a 20-minute speedboat transfer from Lio Beach. It offers complementary kayaking, as well as snorkelling on a technicolour house reef which teems with tropical fish. Move over Ha Long Bay The limestone islands and pinnacles bear a passing resemblance to Vietnam's famous Ha Long Bay, albeit without the latter's armada of junk-boats. With more than one-thousand islands to explore, various companies offer boat trips which combine three or four with lunch and snorkelling. Popular routes include Snake Island (for panoramic views); Cudugnon Cave; and the 50ft-high Cathedral Cave on Pinasil Island (large enough to drive a speedboat inside); Entatula Island – which was recently cited as having one of the world's best beaches – and Paglugaban Island, for snorkelling on its effervescent coral reef. For your final night before moving on to the big city, take the opportunity to splurge at private island Pangulasian Eco-Luxury Resort (B&B doubles from £1,060), where 50 luxurious villas are immersed in rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs. Day 10 Manila Jeepneys and the world's oldest Chinatown Take the one-hour flight from El Nido to Manila, the Philippines' gloriously chaotic capital city on Luzon Island, dissected by the Pasig River. The grindingly slow road traffic is made (slightly) more bearable by the fleets of Jeepneys – colourful customised US jeeps which function as public transport, similar to tuk tuks. Much of Manila's architecture was obliterated during the Second World War, when the country was occupied by the Japanese and heavily bombed by the Americans. Nevertheless, evidence of its Spanish colonial legacy remains in the thick-walled Intramuros district, which has been largely rebuilt. The baroque Unesco-listed Church of Saint-Augustine is an original, however, having survived its blitzkrieg and now home to a fine museum of treasure from the galleon trade with Mexico (then known as New Spain). Opposite is a cosy Filipino bistro called Ristorante Delle Mitre – named after the bishops' headgear – which draws diners with its superlative chicken adobe (tender chicken marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), the country's national dish. Head north and across the river, and you'll soon find yourself in Quiapo district, where the large market is fun to browse on foot, while the cathedral (officially called The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno) houses the Philippines' most sacred object, the Black Nazarene statuette, which is paraded every January to crowds numbering well over a million. A short stroll westwards will bring you to Binondo, home to the world's oldest Chinatown in, where you'll find dim sum restaurants and Tao-Buddhist temples, as well as to a slither of surviving American art-deco around Escolta. It's here that you'll come upon the 1920s First Union Building, which hosts artisanal craft shops and a café, The Den, which offers excellent Filipino-bean coffees. For more war history, spend the afternoon at the American Cemetery – an hour's drive south-east, in Taguig – a sobering experience, with 16,800 marble crosses marking soldiers lost in the Second World War's Pacific theatre of war. For dinner, head to the fashionable nightlife hub of Makati, where Blackbird serves artistic pan-Asian dishes in an art-deco former American airport terminal, or to nearby Greenbelt, where Ember – the creation of the British-Filipino chef, Josh Boutwood – combines informality with fine cuisine. For drinks, head to Población district's wall-to-wall bars. Hip speakeasies include The Spirits Library, with its floor-to-ceiling bookcases of spirits, and Run Rabbit Run, a darkly lit cocktail bar. Stop by 32 nd -floor rooftop bar, Firefly Roofdeck, for magnificent night-time Manila views. End the day by checking into either The Bayleaf Hotel in the Intramuros district (B&B doubles from £97), an inexpensive four-star with excellent views of the city from its rooftop bar, or the iconic Peninsula Hotel (B&B doubles from £165) in Makati. Day 11 North Luzon Island Sand spas and fairy-tale gorges A few hours north from Manila is little-visited Inararo, where the Melanesian Aetas people manage ancestral lands which were covered in ash during Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption. Subsequent erosion has sculpted the most delicately beautiful fern-cloaked gorge, a fairy-tale mile-long loop which takes roughly an hour to complete on foot. A tour of th area – with a guide and driver – costs £80 with Pinatubo Mountaineiro, including lunch, a dip in geothermal hot springs at Puning, and a hot-sand spa. Day 12 Banaue Rice, and more rice A long day's drive into Luzon's north (by private car) will take you to Banaue, where the Unesco-listed rice-terraces date back 2,000 years, soaring into the Cordilleras. Check-in at Banaue town's Grand View Hotel (B&B doubles from £63) – where rooms have wonderful views of the sweeping terraces – then head out for a bite to eat at Uyami's Greenview Restaurant, the best local outlet in the area. All dishes come with rice, and – if you're lucky – occasional cultural displays by the Ifugao people. If time allows, hike into the amphitheatre of rice-terraces at small town Batad for awe-inspiring vistas. If you'd like to spend the night here instead, opt for Simon's View Inn and Restaurant (room-only doubles from £20). Day 13 Sagada The hanging coffins Two hours' drive along dramatic mountain roads leads northwest to Sagada, a remote community of the Igorot people who for millennia (until the arrival of Catholicism) buried their dead in coffins housed within – or hanging down on ropes from – cliffside caves. Seeing them is a macabre but fascinating spectacle, and one of immense cultural significance. In town, pay a visit to a superb gallery devoted to Eduardo Masferré, one of the Philippine's greatest photographers, whose works chronicle Igorot culture. Spend the night at one of Sagada's homely and simple options, including Masferré Country Inn (B&B doubles from £46) where rooms are adorned with photographs of Igorot culture, and Martha's Hearth (room-only doubles from £40). Bana's Coffee has won international awards for its roasted coffee and has a decent menu of local produce. Day 14 Vigan All things Spanish Another four hours on the road from Sagada is UNESCO-listed Vigan, where you'll find the complete colonial core of a 16 th -century Spanish city, the exquisite architecture of which is fused with Chinese and Ilocano motifs. Wander its cobbled streets, visit historic houses, and see the archbishop's palace, then – and as the sun goes down – join the promenade in Plaza's Salcedo and Burgos. For dinner, seek out Ilocano fish sauce-infused dishes such as pinakbet, at Café Uno 's corner restaurant or Café Leona. Several classical homes offer atmospheric stays: Hotel Luna (B&B doubles from £60) is built around a pretty internal patio, while Hotel Felicidad (B&B doubles from £40) has four-poster beds. Day 15 Head to Loag Airport for the hour-long flight back to Manila, and – if you've time – end your trip with a an explosion of culinary theatre at highly rated fine-dining spot Helm. How to do it When to go Perennially tropical, The Philippines has two distinct seasons – hot and dry. The drier and cooler season – when temperatures range from 25-30°C – is between December and early May. From May to October the weather is wetter, hotter and cyclone prone, though there are fewer crowds and refreshingly greener landscapes. What to book Cost effective Bamboo Travel (0207 7209285) tailor-makes trips similar to the one described. A 14-day island hopping holiday costs around £4,195 per person, including nights in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Sagada, Banaue and El Nido, as well as international flights with Cathay Pacific, B&B accommodation, all transfers, and guided tours. Blow the budget Audley Travel (01993 838155) offers a 17-day combined Hong Kong & Luxury Tour of the Philippines from £10,375 per person (based on two travelling), featuring five-nights at the opulent Amanpulo Resort on Pamilacan Island, private transfers, flights from London via Hong Kong, and excursions. Know before you go Rather than expensive roaming, pick up an affordable local SIM card upon arrival at Manila or Cebu Airport (a 20GB allowance lasting 14 days will set you back around £8), or opt for an eSim. Taxi journeys are inexpensive using the downloadable app Grab, which functions like Uber. Most outlets accept debit cards, but it's worth carrying a small amount of cash for those few smaller ones which don't. US dollars are easiest to exchange. The whole country has patron saint fiestas throughout the year. Bohol has one every day during May. If offered, join these open house feasts to be welcomed like a long lost relative. A quick, free e-travel declaration should be completed before arrival.
USA Today
17-03-2025
- USA Today
These Florida family vacation ideas prove there's something for everyone
These Florida family vacation ideas prove there's something for everyone Show Caption Hide Caption The Bucket List Family gives five tips for traveling with kids The Bucket List Family sold everything to travel around the world. Here are their tips for traveling with children. It's not hard to see why Florida is one of the most popular family vacation spots in the country. Miles of Atlantic and Gulf coastline, world-class beaches, theme parks galore, incredible natural sights – with so much to do, it's no wonder families return to the Sunshine State year after year. I've made Florida my home for 20 years and I still haven't experienced it all, but it has given me the chance to explore beyond the beaches and theme parks when it comes to family vacations. Don't get me wrong: The beaches and theme parks are great. But the truth is that whether you want a Florida beach vacation, a theme park trip, an equestrian escape, a quick city detour before a cruise, or something entirely different, you can find it in Florida. Here are the top 10 destinations I recommend for memorable family vacations for different ages and interests. FUN FOR ALL AGES: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas to make 2025's trip the best you've ever had 1. Anna Maria Island My blood pressure immediately drops whenever I drive onto Anna Maria Island. If you want a Florida beach vacation with a bit of a throwback vibe, this place delivers. The Gulf Coast barrier island took a bit of a beating during the 2024 hurricane season, but its resilient spirit got it on the road to recovery quickly, and it's visitor-ready. Expect to log lots of hours at the beach here, and you can make that time even more relaxing with a setup from AMI Cabanas, which donates a portion of every reservation toward manatee conservation efforts. There are lots of ways to get out on the water, from fishing charters to kayaking tours. And when you're hungry, family-friendly eats can be found all over the island, from all-you-can-eat pancakes at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe and burgers at Skinny's Place to the made-to-order goodies at The Donut Experiment. ▶ Where to stay: Book one of the two-bedroom suites at Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection for plenty of room to spread out and a central island location. Or stay steps from the sand at retro-cool Mello on the Beach, which offers one- to three-bedroom rentals with kitchens. 2. St. Augustine Dubbed 'the nation's oldest city,' St. Augustine is a great getaway spot no matter the time of year. During the holidays it's aglow with millions of lights, but it's just as picturesque in other seasons. That's thanks to the Spanish Colonial architecture found throughout the historic downtown, including along Aviles Street, the oldest street in the country. A visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a must, where you can tour the oldest masonry fortification in the continental U.S. Kids will enjoy learning about the residents of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, sipping from the Fountain of Youth, and climbing the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse. (They must be over 44 inches and able to climb the tower on their own.) If they like spooky stuff, one of the many ghost tours of the Northeast Florida city will be right up their alley. (My teenager still talks about one she took.) And eating lunch at one of the grass huts perched over the water at the Conch House Restaurant is a Florida vacation experience the whole family will remember. ▶ Where to stay: Book a family suite with bunk beds at Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, and you can easily add some beach time to your experience. Or stay at Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, which puts you right in the center of the historic downtown. 3. Naples Naples may be known as something of a swanky spot for retirees, but it's also a great place for a family vacation. This Southwest Florida city is home to attractions like the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (CMON), Shy Wolf Sanctuary, and Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, which are perfect for kid-friendly outings. There are lots of ways to enjoy and explore the outdoors here, which starts with the area's many picture-perfect Gulf beaches. But make time to experience places like Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Big Cypress National Preserve, which play a part in the ecosystem of the Everglades. The Nature Center at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has a touch tank and play zone that's great for little kids, and there are all kinds of boat and paddling tours to get the family out on the water. ▶ Where to stay: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers a prime beachfront location and a regular schedule of family activities like pool games and weekend 'kids' s'mores hour.' Or go all out with a stay at the recently refreshed Ritz-Carlton, Naples, where the Ritz Kids program features nature-focused activities created in partnership with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. 4. Gainesville Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, but it's much more than just Florida Gator Country and a hotbed for college sports. The area has a number of parks and preserves that are definitely worth a visit, like Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, where you can descend into a sinkhole, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where you might spot wild-roaming bison and horses if you're lucky. The Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention will inspire future inventors and tinkerers, while Kanapaha Botanical Gardens includes a children's garden and the state's largest public display of bamboo. You can see everything from bald eagles to white-throated capuchin monkeys at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and learn about the area's agricultural past at Dudley Farm Historic State Park and Morningside Nature Center. ▶ Where to stay: Gainesville is home to many well-reviewed chain hotels with suite-style accommodations ideal for families, like SpringHill Suites Gainesville, Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Gainesville. 5. Miami For big-city vibes to go along with your beach time, head to Miami. There's always a lot going on in this vibrant Southeast Florida metropolis, from sporting events to musical performances. There's also lots of family fun to be found here at spots like Miami Children's Museum and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which has both a planetarium and an aquarium. At the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park, you can climb the observation tower for amazing views or walk, bike, or take a tram tour to spot wildlife along a 15-mile loop road. Or you can have wild encounters of a different kind at Zoo Miami or Jungle Island, where you can book visits with lemurs, capybaras, and other creatures. There's almost too much to do in the Miami area, which means the kids should never be bored. ▶ Where to stay: Loews Miami Beach Hotel caters to families with amenities like a kid-sized breakfast buffet and a super-cool kids club featuring activities curated in partnership with the Miami Children's Museum and the Frost Museum of Science. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa features a seriously fun water park with seven waterslides, a lazy river, and the first-ever FlowRider Triple in the nation. NO SNEAKY FEES: Hands down, these are the very best all-inclusive resorts in Florida for families (updated for 2025) 6. Amelia Island One of my favorite Florida vacation spots, Amelia Island, makes for a relaxed beach vacation with a little bit of Southern charm. Located about 30 minutes from Jacksonville in Northeast Florida, the island's got something for beach lovers, history buffs, and fans of the outdoors. You can stay along the Atlantic Ocean or in downtown Fernandina Beach, and either option is a winner. I recommend a boat tour along the local waterways (which also gives you a peek at Georgia's Cumberland Island), a visit to Fort Clinch State Park overlooking the St. Mary's River, strolling and shopping in downtown Fernandina Beach, and burgers at Tasty's. The interactive 'pirate ship' at the Amelia Island Museum of History was a big hit with my daughter when she was young, as were the mini-golf courses in the area. ▶ Where to stay: Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa has all the ingredients for a great family vacation, from a setting right on the Atlantic Ocean to amenities like a family pool and splash pad, an on-site nature center and mini-golf course, and multiple kid-friendly restaurants. 7. Orlando No list of Florida vacation ideas is complete without Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. And there will be new thrills to experience when Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe opens in May 2025. New things are coming to Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando in 2025, too, to go along with all the old favorites. There's more to Orlando than just theme parks, of course. Pedal a swan boat at Lake Eola Park, get hands-on at Orlando Science Center, or stroll amid the plants and trees at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The city also has lots of cool neighborhoods to explore, like Thornton Park with its historic homes and tree-lined streets and the Mills 50 District that's known for its street art and fabulous food scene. ▶ Where to stay: With close to 500 hotels and resorts in the Orlando area, you have lots of choices. The best bet is to pick a hotel close to where you'll be spending the bulk of your time that fits your budgets and needs. Do you want a hotel with a cool pool area, a budget-friendly option near the theme parks, a hotel with great food, or a property offering residential-style lodging? 8. South Walton Many of the 16 beach neighborhoods in South Walton look right out of a movie. In fact, one was the setting for "The Truman Show." Any of them would make a great home base for a family vacation in this scenic Northwest Florida locale. There are 26 miles of white sand beaches and turquoise water to explore in South Walton, along with four state parks, a state forest, and four snorkel reefs. You'll also want to plan a paddle in the rare coastal dune lakes found here, the only ones outside of New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and the Pacific Northwest. The kids will love doing a donut tour of the area, and you can take your beach time to the next level with sandcastle lessons or a custom beach bonfire. ▶ Where to stay: The WaterColor Inn & Resort in Santa Rosa Beach borders one of the area's dune lakes and has a stretch of private beach, a beach club with three pools, and the Camp WaterColor recreational amenity with two more pools, waterslides, and a lazy river. RIGHT ON THE WATER: 10 Florida beach resorts that are all about family fun 9. Florida's Space Coast Just about an hour from Orlando, Florida's Space Coast is a stellar family vacation spot. Literally: It's the home of America's manned space program, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provides awe-inspiring ways to learn all about it. If there's a launch taking place during your visit, you'll likely be able to see it from your hotel or other spots around the area. And for more high-flying fun, a visit to the Valiant Air Command Warbird Air Museum delivers. Of course, there's plenty of action on the ground in this region along the Atlantic Ocean on Florida's east coast, which includes places like Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and cruise ship departure spot Port Canaveral. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – one of the last places on Earth astronauts see when they launch into space – offers great bird watching, and the Cocoa Beach Pier is a legendary surf spot. Boat and kayak tours are another way to get out on the water, and you can even kayak through the Brevard Zoo. ▶ Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port offers free breakfast and a good location for exploring the Space Coast. Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites provides easy access to the beach and family suites with kitchenettes. 10. Sebring There was already a lot to like about Sebring, a lakeside locale in Central Florida's Highlands County. 'The City on the Circle' exudes a Stars Hollow type of charm, with a local soda shop and annual soda festival and restaurants like Faded Bistro & Beer Garden, where you can dine under the stars. It's also home to Highlands Hammock State Park, one of the oldest state parks in Florida, where many rare and endemic species can be observed. Sebring International Raceway draws fans of fast cars to the world-famous 12 Hours of Sebring event every year, and Lake Istokpoga is a great place for fishing and airboat rides. And the city recently got a glow-up as the star of season three of HGTV's Home Town Takeover, which debuts in March 2025 and will likely showcase even more reasons to put Sebring on your vacation radar. ▶ Where to stay: Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel offers suites with views of the track's famous hairpin turn, plus amenities like an outdoor pool. Budget-friendly Tru by Hilton Sebring is well-situated for exploring the area and includes free breakfast with your stay. From beaches to theme parks, the best Florida family vacations prove there's something for everyone originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. 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