Month: December 2020

Professional athletes love to try their hand at other sports. And why not? Most off them are at their absolute physical peak, and many of those fundamental skills translate into other sports. Not only that, these stars often lettered in other sports during their high school careers.

Some still harbor dreams of crossing over into other leagues, in the tradition of Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson. LeBron, for instance, has often talked wistfully about his dream of playing in the NFL. But those two-sport stars are a rare breed indeed, especially at the professional level.

And sometimes, efforts to venture into other sports can have disastrous results. Take Nate Robinson, for instance. The three-time dunk champ was, by all accounts, a very gifted high school football and even tried for the NFL after his NBA days were over. That didn’t quite work out, but it also didn’t stop Nate from searching out new adventures, the latest of which ended in a brutal knockout at the hands of YouTuber Jake Paul earlier this month during an exhibition boxing match.

Still, Nate is taking it all in stride, as evidenced by his latest commercial for StockX:

Here’s more from the official press release:

“It’s important for me to partner with brands that value authenticity and credibility. As a sneakerhead myself, I know StockX is legit. For me, this campaign is a way to show people that not everything is going to come easy; you’re not going to win every time, and that’s okay. If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s the importance of standing up and continuing to fight. Through this spot, ‘Find Your Win,’ and with the help of StockX, I want people to understand that you can take an L and still stand up prideful, with your chin high and a smile on your face, ready for the next venture.”

First of all, it’s good to see he’s doing well, health wise. For all the jokes made at his expense in the aftermath of the fight, there was reason for legitimate concern for his well-being, given the vicious blow that sent him to the mat unconscious. Second, Nate deserves major props for getting in the ring to begin with, but most important, showing poise in defeat and a willingness to embrace something that could haunt for years to come if he lets it.

By almost any measure, 2020 was a terrible year. A global pandemic. Economic downturn.Racial injustice. In a year like this, it’s easy to lose sight of the good. Because despite all the challenges and heartache this year, there was still good to be found. I count myself lucky to have had a front row seat to one of the year’s best good news stories: the massive outpouring of solidarity and support for the global COVID-19 response being led by the World Health Organization (WHO). People around the world stepped up to help people they’ve never met, in places they’ve never been — in a big way.

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More than 650,000 people from just about every country in the world — together with hundreds of companies and philanthropies — raised more than $238 million to support WHO’s pandemic response. To put that in perspective, that is the second largest source of financial resources for WHO’s COVID-19 response, behind only the government of Germany. The funds were raised through the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, which the UN Foundation helped launch in March to offer individuals, companies, and private organizations away to directly support the WHO-led response. We at the UN Foundation have been completely blown away by the breadth of supporters and the depth of their generosity.

A woman in Ireland, Karen Forde, launched a squats challenge to drive donations to the Fund.S he did about 2,000 squats herself — which is downright impressive — and personally matched donations up to €1,000. Joshua “DiMez” DiMezza, a cancer survivor and devoted video gamer, got the online gaming community involved. By live-streaming his games over Facebook Gaming, he raised tens of thousands of dollars from his followers. Even celebrities — from Matthew Perry, to Post Malone, to Queen and Adam Lambert — used their platforms to garner support for the Fund. And in April, the global One World: Together at Home broadcast raised millions, with Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and the Rolling Stones among the musicians who performed. Jimmy Fallon and Lady Gaga even Face-timed Apple CEO TimCook live on-air to ask the company to donate — and it did. But Apple wasn’t the only company that stepped up — far from it. Facebook and Google offered matching donations and companies as diverse as TikTok, Adidas, GSK, and FIFA all contributed.

People around the world gave what they could despite the economic uncertainty. The average individual donation was about $60, and comments left by donors on the Facebook fundraiser show what solidarity looks like. People left heartwarming messages in multiple languages, thanking frontline workers and writing, “we are in this together” and “let’s help each other and save lives.” Everyone who donated made a difference, because every dollar counted. Solidarity drove this Fund. And quickly getting donated dollars to WHO and partners like theWorld Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF mean that solidarity has delivered help to those most in need.And I do mean that literally. In the critical early days of the pandemic, WHO and the WorldFood Programme teamed up to ship millions of items of essential supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic kits to some of the hardest hit areas. Carried by cargo planes, these became known as “Solidarity Flights” — the first of which delivered enough supplies to help frontline workers care for over 30,000 patients across Africa. By late spring, thanks to the Fund’s support, they were able to rebuild a sophisticated global supply chain effort that has since distributed hundreds of millions of units of PPE and other supplies to 170 countries.And in Lebanon, a Syrian refugee by the name of Midia Said Sido learned how to make soap in her kitchen at home. Through a training course offered by the UN Refugee Agency and made possible with support from the Fund, Sido has been making soap for her family and neighbors –helping her community stay healthy and slow the virus’ spread. In a refugee camp in Kenya, a pregnant woman named Eliana was able to continue receiving prenatal care throughout the pandemic thanks to the UN Refugee Agency. They were able to keep the local hospital open and ensure maternal health services continued uninterrupted with Fund support. In October, Eliana gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Christena. There are countless more stories like Sido and Eliana’s, countless more people who have received life-saving assistance thanks to the kindness and profound generosity of donors from190 different countries who have chipped in.The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund represents humanity at its very best. And it’s a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can count on solidarity to see us through.

Kate Dodson is Vice President for Global Health at the UN Foundation.

Runways shuttered, supply chains disrupted, distribution methods delayed, creative visions compromised — like most industries this year, there wasn’t a single facet of the fashion world that wasn’t flipped upside the f*ck down by COVID-19. From the people growing the cotton that turns into your tee shirt to the way you shop for it, the entire style ecosystem was dramatically altered and will remain in flux for the foreseeable future. The chaos caused many upstart streetwear labels, which often live and die by the success of a single season, to come face to face with the biggest challenges they’ve had to overcome since first starting out.

But it also saw them doing what they do best: responding and adapting to a rapidly changing world in order to survive. Hustling and making bold moves to stay afloat.

“I don’t think anything has gone according to ‘plan’ this year.” Joey Gollish of Mr. Saturday says. “We’ve stayed really focused on our goals and vision but allowed the constantly evolving landscape to inform our plans on how to get there.”

The fashion industry is massive, generating as much as $2.5 trillion in global annual revenue in 2019 alone, according to a recent analysis by McKinsey & Company. But the interconnected global network of production, marketing, and retail processes is also what makes it so difficult for businesses to plan ahead at a time when one country might be loosening safety measures while another is buttoning up.

“Supply chain, shipping delays, distribution, economic downturn… I don’t think there is a brand out there that hasn’t felt the pandemic in some way or another,” says Marc Keiser of Los Angeles-based streetwear label Keiser Clark. “We had a really big season coming out of Autumn/Winter 20, expanding greater into Asia and Europe. Unfortunately, as a new brand in those retailers’ matrix, we saw a lot of cancellations early on in the pandemic.”

Problems up and down the supply chain continue to plague brands for the coming year. Keiser Clark had to forgo their entire Spring Summer 2021 collection and push it to Autumn/ Winter 21, a decision that was painful, but one that Marc Keiser ultimately felt was the right move.

“We are facing an even greater challenge in our supply chain than before,” says Equihua founder and head designer Brenda Equihua. “Longer lead times, higher costs, and scarcity of supplies. All our vendors are locally based and some of them have closed, so we are seeking new suppliers and contractors… Our product development and production also slowed down substantially because we are social distancing and working with an even smaller team. We are not doing many photoshoots and studio visits because we want to be socially responsible. It has really tested us, but we are so lucky to still be here.”

Social distancing also had a tremendous effect on the collaborative process of designing physical products, especially when trying to match the ravenous (and discerning) streetwear and style customer base has come to expect.

“The whole collaborative aspect of working together has completely changed,” says Teddy Fresh CEO and lead designer Hila Klein. “We like to brainstorm — get in the room with different people and departments and work with the pieces in our hands. Finding ways to make up for that and work around it has pushed us to work together differently.”

The Teddy Fresh team now relies heavily on Slack or convening over the phone and works through a more laborious process that involves sending packages between departments until they reach Klein at her home, where she fits production samples on herself and sends copious photos and notes, which then get sent back to production for fine-tuning, and, finally, back to the full group for feedback and an eventual final product.

“It’s broken the creative process into segmented pieces that we have to move around rather than have everyone gathered around the table working together,” Klein says. “Nevertheless, we still work closely and keep all the stages of the process in place, even though it’s done physically apart.”

Changes to the creative process and the numerous supply chain issues are undoubtedly a huge hurdle for labels to jump, but ultimately fashion is a creative industry. Designers are eager and nimble ideators when forced to rethink how they do things. That opens the door to some aspect of a silver lining for the brands.

“Prior to COVID, TOMBOGO garments were designed using unconventional materials such as bubble wrap,” says TOMBOGO‘s Tommy Bogo. “Since COVID, quarantine, and stay at home orders, we’ve shifted our design approach and the materials used to create more casual garments for the user to wear whether they’re at home or out and about. While we’ve reeled back on experimental materials, we’ve emphasized more innovation in our silhouettes and the functionalities included in these garments.”

Brands have also had to shift the way they release new products.

“Digital activations, virtual events, and great content are more important than ever as we move forward without live showrooms, pop-ups, and fashion shows,” Bogo continues. “The pandemic has influenced me to think even more creatively from a marketing perspective on how to present new products without being able to physically present them.”

The new changes that the industry is facing have also had a profound effect on the way some brands see each other and the fashion industry at large. The “we’re in this together” aspects have been underscored, while the competitive aspects have taken a back seat. In short, folks in a high-powered, demanding industry have gotten the gift of wide-angle perspective.

“This year for the first time since I started Keiser Clark, I let go of comparing myself to other brands and other designers and allowed myself to be proud of where I’m at and what I’m doing at 29 years old,” says Marc Keiser. “The business takeaway this year: a further reminder that the core of every business, every brand, is people, and to make sure you’re showing up for those people who support you. From our customers, stylists, retailers/buyers, manufactures, other designers, the UPS driver who picks up our packages… We are all dealing with this pandemic. Life is busy, the fashion industry is busy, but impacting someone else’s life for the better, that’s infinite.”

“Maybe we don’t want to be in 100 stores?” Says Joey Gollish. “We’re working more closely than ever with our retail partners, to create unique experiences and offerings for each of them. It gives us more control over our brand identity while creating a more holistic partnership with our retailers, which is really how it should be.”

That rethinking of customer experience and desired scale always weighs heavily on young brands. In 2020, those conversations evolved at lightning speed.

“I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give work to the people around me because everyone is struggling,” says Brenda Equihua. “My challenge will be in navigating our combined needs, and also making sure we are putting health first. I feel really great about our ability to communicate directly to the folx that help support our brand, it’s a matter more of how we cope with changes internally.”

One of the most effective ways that brands have been able to stay afloat this year is through their full-hearted embrace of e-commerce platforms, which almost every brand we spoke to credit for the survival of their companies. According to statistics collected by Data Feed Watch, e-commerce generated worldwide revenue of $481 billion in 2018, $545 billion in 2019, with revenue projected to reach $713 billion by 2022. A whopping 77% of people in South Korea made an online fashion purchase in 2019, like it or not, e-commerce is the way of the future when it comes to shopping.

“The shift has made our e-commerce operation stronger,” says Hila Klein, “While previously we had some large wholesale accounts, we saw this direct approach as the future anyway, with malls and physical stores being things of the past. The pandemic fast-forwarded us ten years over six months.”

As uncertainly continues to surround the pandemic, so too does it cloud the future of our favorite fashion labels. But if any industry is equipped to handle the cultural shift that is a global pandemic, it’s this one, thanks in large part to the hard-working and always innovative designers shaping the scene as we know it.

For a few days back in November, people who followed along with the democratic process in the United States found themselves entranced by a pair of cable news channels: CNN and MSNBC. Both had dudes who stood at touchscreens — John King for the former, Steve Kornacki for the latter — who gave detailed breakdowns of where votes were coming in and said stuff like “Maricopa County, Arizona” a whole heck of a lot.

Both networks have found ways to keep them occupied outside of the world of electoral politics ever since Joe Biden became the President-elect of the United States. Kornacki has a gig on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, breaking down the playoff odds for the various teams jostling for the chance to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. King, meanwhile, is apparently more of a basketball guy, so he teamed up with CNN colleague Wolf Blitzer to get fans caught up on all the goings on during the NBA offseason.

King and Blitzer took to the big boards in The Situation Room to explain a number of moves players made during the NBA’s offseason. There is also a very silly IcyHot joke about Chris Paul in here and King, a Celtics fan, declaring that despite Doc Rivers being their coach, he will never cheer for the Sixers. It’s pretty good!

This is not the first time these two have joined forces for an NBA thing this offseason — Blitzer is a well-documented Washington Wizards fan, so the two took to their spots next to the big boards to announce the team’s schedule for the first half of the NBA season. There is no word on whether noted Philadelphian Jake Tapper has any plans to respond to the Sixers dig that King got in here.

Famously, Breaking Bad was about the transformation of a mild-mannered high-school teacher named Walter White into his alter-ego, a murderous meth kingpin known as Heisenberg. It was also on Breaking Bad where we met Jimmy McGill, who had already begun to inhabit his alter-ego, Saul Goodman. Better Call Saul, in fact, is essentially a show that reverse-engineers the transformation of Jimmy, a low-level grifter, into a sleazy defense lawyer for powerful criminal figures.

But Walter White and Jimmy McGill aren’t the only characters who have gone through drastic character transformations. Back when Saul began, Rhea Seehorn’s Kim Wexler was an entry-level attorney with a too-tight ponytail and a boyfriend she often disapproved of. By the time the fifth season came to an end, however, Kim Wexler had decided to sabotage the livelihood of her former boss, Howard Hamlin, in order to enrich herself (so that she can pursue her career in pro bono work). By the end of the episode, Kim was pointing finger guns at people and embarking on a scheme that will likely explain where Kim Wexler is during the Breaking Bad timeline. Dead? In prison? On the run? Or running her own pro bono firm using the proceeds from the Sandpiper deal?

“Do you see a very dark side of her there? Yes, you do,” Seehorn explained to Deadline after a recent virtual screening for the fifth season finale. “He brought Saul Goodman into our relationship; she’s bringing in this other person,” Seehorn says. “There’s this seething, self-righteous martyrdom going on.”

She may not get an official name for her alter ego, but it’s clear that another version of Kim Wexler is about to enter the fray, and like the audience, Saul Goodman is “mystified” by her transformation, Bob Odenkirk added.

Will the final season see the official return of Giselle Saint Claire, the alter-ego of Kim Wexler introduced back in the second season? We probably won’t find out until late in 2021, at the earliest, although there will at least be more episodes this season to keep us glued to our screens.

Better Call Saul co-creator Peter Gould also told Deadline that they’re nearly finished writing the season (last we heard, they had written about half), and they hope to “begin shooting early next year,” although when the show airs will be up to “the fates and to Sony.”

“We are in a zoom room every day. We got to meet for two weeks at the beginning,” Gould explains. “For the season — it’s like trying to dance in quicksand. It’s a handicap in my book to be working remotely, but I love what we came up with.” I’m sure that audiences will love what he came up with, too.

Source: Deadline

It’s officially eggnog season. But making eggnog can be a bit daunting. If you want to go old-school, it takes days, a gajillion separated eggs, and a lot of whisking. We’re not here to go all Martha Stewart and re-create that. We’re here to show you a solid eggnog cocktail that you can make in about a minute.

The key ingredients of eggnog are, obviously, eggs. Also alcohol. And nutmeg, vital to any good nog. Ground nutmeg doesn’t really do the trick. You need to be grinding nutmeg freshly from whole nutmeg nuts (you should be able to get this in most any grocery spice aisle, certainly larger Whole Foods). This is going to make or break the classic eggnog flavor of the final product.

Beyond that, use good, heavy cream. I’m using a 31 percent milkfat cream. You can use a lighter cream at 12 or 15 percent if you’re into a thinner nog, but eggnogs are meant to be thicc. Also, you’re cutting this cream down with egg, brandy, and water (from the ice). That means, it’ll thin a lot by the time it gets into the glass. So, go heavy. I’m also using a large organic egg. If you’re using raw eggs, don’t skimp on quality. I know that sounds obvious, but it needs to be said.

Lastly, there’s the booze. I like a nutty and bold Spanish brandy. That’s just me. You can 100 percent make this a nice bourbon, rye, Tennessee whiskey, sweet scotch, Irish whiskey, or well-aged dark rum. In fact, I’ve been known to do this Sazerac style by using half-brandy and half-bourbon because … why not? It’s Christmas time after all.

Okay, let’s get shaking!

Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 1.5-oz. brandy
• 0.5-oz. simple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 3-oz. heavy cream
• Pinch of ground clove
• Freshly ground nutmeg
• Ice

You’ll Need:

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Nutmeg mill, grinder, or microplane
• Jigger

Method:

The first thing I do is fill my rocks glass with ice — just enough to fill it.

I’m using a standard Boston Shaker for this drink and that’s where we’re building. I add in the brandy and syrup. Next, I crack in the egg, add the cream, and finish off with the spice. I add the pinch of ground clove and about four cranks from my nutmeg mill (about half-a-teaspoon).

A word of warning: the drink will look like a mess before you shake it. Don’t worry.

Next, I add in enough ice to fill the shaker 3/4. I affix the top and shake vigorously over my shoulder for 30 solid seconds. You’re emulsifying the yolk to the cream and frothing the white at the same time. Do not short the shake. The outside of the shaker should start to frost over. When that happens, shake a few more seconds and you’re done.

I use the cocktail strainer to pour the nog over the ice in my rocks glass. Alternatively, you can pour this into a chilled coupe sans ice if you want an even more cocktail-y experience.

The last step is to garnish the drink with more freshly ground nutmeg. I crank about two more cranks over the drink and it’s ready to drink!

Bottom Line:

This is really tasty and light. It’s not heavy-cream eggnog you get in those glass bottles at the grocery store. It’s hefty, yes, but has an airy edge thanks to the egg white that helps it go down super easily.

The nutmeg really is the clincher to this drink. It adds that eggnog-y essence that you’re looking for.

This drink is lush, velvety, airy, and full of holiday vibes. Plus it’s easy. God knows we all deserve a little ease this year.

I Used to Go Here (HBO, 9:45pm EST) — Gillian Jacobs and Jemaine Clement star in this Andy Samberg-produced movie about a 30-something novelist (Kate Conklin) who may be a one-hit wonder. Following a traumatic breakup, she ends up heading back to her alma mater, where she finds herself entrenched in all kinds of college-age drama after an old professor invites her for a homecoming.

Swamp Thing (CW, 8:00pm EST) — Swamp Thing can’t believe what he learns about his own existence, and he’s pissed off, naturally, so he takes vengeance upon those who hunt him. Don’t mess with Mr. Tubers!

Tell Me A Story (CW, 9:00pm EST) — Ashley reconsiders a personal and professional obligation after Beau’s major accident, and Simone’s searching for answers while Jackson’s working on his sobriety.

In case you missed these recent highlights:

Song Exploder: Volume 2 (Netflix) — Following Volume 1’s popularity (with a line-up including Alicia Keys, Lin-Manuel Miranda, R.E.M., and Ty Dolla $ign), more of the world’s greatest musicians arrive to divulge secrets about how they created one of their tunes. This round features Dua Lipa (whose Future Nostalgia made our Top Albums of 2020 list), Nine Inch Nails, The Killers, and Natalia Lafourcade. They’re all sharing insight into their inspirations while breaking down the layers of their highlighted songs.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix film) — Chadwick Boseman left this world far too soon, but before he departed, he left us a lasting performance alongside Oscar winner Viola Davis. She portrays the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” and he’s her ambitious trumpeteer, Levee. Together with his fellow musicians, they will conquer a blazing hot 1920s Chicago recording session, and Levee will help inspire his colleagues to unleash truth-revealing stories that will alter their lives and, possibly, history itself. It’s a testament to the blues’ transformative power and adapted from two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s play of the same name with Denzel Washington onboard as producer.

The Stand: Premiere (CBS All Access) — Constant Readers will appreciate this fresh take on Stephen King’s epic novel, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest post-apocalyptic works of fiction. Those who are afraid of checking into pandemic land can rest assured that the show feels like an unlikely antidote to the hellish things that humanity has seen this year. The show also goes non-linear in order to avoid wading through the superflu like the book did, since this isn’t really a “pandemic” story but one about the rebuilding of society and the archetypal battle between good and evil.

Cody Zeller’s timing for starting a charity, unfortunately, could not have been much better. Just months before COVID-19 hit the shores of the United States of America, the Charlotte Hornets’ veteran big man started Like a Child, a charity designed to help out youngsters wherever they may be. Shortly after his first major initiative took place, in which he wore special-designed sneakers to highlight a number of charities in March, the NBA’s season was postponed.

The downtime for Zeller, whose Hornets missed out on the NBA’s Orlando Bubble, gave him plenty of time to sit down and hammer out some details related to the organization. It also gave him time to reflect on its purpose and how he could continue to impact the lives of children going forward.

Ahead of the start of the Hornets’ season 2020-21 season, which tips off on Wednesday evening, Dime sat down with Zeller to discuss the charity.

Can you take me inside starting Like a Child? What the impetus was for that and why you decided “November 2019 is the time for me to do this”?

Yeah, I think starting from scratch, I think when I got drafted into the NBA, I knew I’d have kind of a platform to impact others and obviously, fell in love with the city of Charlotte right away. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to focus my energy — like, heart disease is in my family. There’s a few things that I thought I might be interested in, and the Hornets do a great job exposing us to a little bit of everything, just with the appearances that our team makes.

So, my rookie year, as kind of a rookie duty, our veterans put a Mario and Luigi costume in my locker and the other rookie’s locker and told us we had to go visit the children’s hospital. And so, I visited the children’s hospital. It was my first time visiting, and I kind of expected for it to be kind of dark and depressing, just because I know the kids are sick. There’s a reason why they’re at the children’s hospital.

But it was actually very much the opposite. Every time that I visit since then, [the] kids are always so positive and energetic. They’re singing and dancing and you would never know that they’re in a tight spot. So, I think right away, I think I finally was like, this is where I want to focus my energy, is helping kids in different ways. So, last year we did the 501(c)(3) non-profit. Came up with the name, Like a Child, and kind of just did a crash course last year. Did four pairs of shoes, custom shoes, and picked for a variety of organizations that help children in a variety of ways. So, the children’s hospital here in Charlotte, the children’s hospital in Indianapolis, Big Brothers Big Sisters, which Kemba Walker had helped out with a lot, when he was here. And then TAPS, which helps kids and families of fallen soldiers.

So, last year was kind of fun. It was a little bit of a, like I said, crash course to see what worked and what didn’t. And then, I’ve had a lot of free time during quarantine so, we worked on getting the website up, we got a logo and it looks like a legit nonprofit now. So, I’m pretty proud of it. And then, we’re just putting together probably another four or five pairs of shoes this year to highlight a couple of different non-profits, once again, that all help children in a variety of ways.

It sounds like it’s something, not necessarily what it ended up being, but it sounds like doing some kind of charitable organization has been kicking around in your head for a while. Is that a fair read on it?

Yeah, I think that’s true. And like I said, I wanted to give back, but I wasn’t real sure how I wanted to. And the way I came up with the kind of kicks for kids was, the NFL does their My Cleats, My Cause. One week, each year, all the players design a shoe for their foundation and the NBA has never done anything like that. So, I just kind of stole the idea from them. And there was an awesome artist here in town that kind of customizes the shoes. He does a lot of the work for the Panthers players for that week.

So, I got in contact with him and he does a lot of the creative stuff. He does a lot of the work. And obviously, I’m going to wear a pair of shoes in the game anyway, so it’s kind of an easy way for me to give back. So I was kind of trying to come up with something unique because, everyone does a golf outing or a gala, which I might do down the road, but I just kind of wanted to come up with something unique.

And what was it about last year that made it right for that to be the time to start? Was there a moment, was there an event, was there anything specific that made it all click? Or was it just like, listen, this is year seven for me in Charlotte, it just feels right, right now.

I’ve been kind of brainstorming on it for a while. And I’ve given just, for me personally, to different organizations here in Charlotte. Even a couple of years ago, I did a partnership with a law firm here in town. And for every rebound that I got during the season, $10 went to the foundation of my choice, which, I picked the children’s hospital.

And so, I’ve done different kinds of partnerships throughout here in Charlotte that I’m able to kind of give to the children’s hospital or other organizations. But, I think it finally got to the point where I was like, you know what, I think I want to do this even after my career is over. So, kind of get it started now, while I’m still playing and then be able to kind of continue that, even after my career is over. I’ve learned a lot about the nonprofit world. Obviously, I have a lot of good people that have helped me along the way, because it is a lot to get the 501(c)(3) clarification. And then, all the other stuff, like I said, the website, the logo, and all the design stuff. So, I’ve had a lot of good help as well.

What are some of the like specific things that you didn’t comprehend coming into this? Because the way you’re making it sound — you can correct me if I’m wrong — you were like, I’m going to start a charity, and then, instead of that being it, that was just yard one of the 99 yard football field ahead of you.

Yeah, no. It’s true. Like I said, I had a lot of good people that have helped me kind of navigate some of those waters. And also, my brother has his own nonprofit, he does Christian basketball camps back in Indiana. And so, he started that about 10 years ago. So, he’s very familiar with it. And my mom does a lot of the paperwork for him. And so, both of them have a little bit of experience with it. I lean on them a lot as well, just to kind of bounce stuff off of them.

But it’s like, every little detail of it is up to me. Like, you can kind of customize it however you want, whether it’s operating or not operating, whether I want to raise money, how I want to do the website, who’s going to kind of run the website, is there an email that’s attached, setting up a whole new email address. We have a grant program on there so, coming up with just, like, what’s on the grant, how does the grant get uploaded, everything else. It’s been a full quarantine project. But, like I said, I’ve had a lot of good people that have kind of done a lot of the heavy lifting for me. So, I feel very blessed to have them on my side.

And what’s the best piece of advice that your brother has given you about taking this on?

I think, not specifically advice that he’s given. I think it’s been really cool for me to see the impact that he’s had with his non-profit. The basketball is a draw, obviously, in Indiana and our family has a recognizable name. So, basketball is the draw, but they also teach family values and how to shake someone’s hand and how to treat people right. And kind of teach values with it.

I think I’ve just been able to see the impact that he’s had on so many kids, whether they’re all the way back to elementary school or all the way through high school. I think I’ve been able to see the impact that he’s had through basketball. And I want to do something similar in a different space. But to be able to give back and have that same … it’s very fulfilling work, for sure.

Looking at the mission statement, “Like a Child strives to celebrate and preserve the joy, curiosity, and innocence of childhood by supporting organizations which provide resources for children and families to achieve their highest potential.” Without realizing it, this ended up being quite the year for needing to promote that specific thing. No?

Yeah, for sure. And even when I came up with this, people have described me as being like a child, which I take as a huge compliment. But I think that, if we all can think back to our childhood, I used to spend hours on a little Nerf hoop on the back of the door. And I used to have a great imagination. I used to play full NBA games, with the jump ball and the three pointers, block shots, everything else. I’d just be playing alone in the living room. But I used to spend hours doing that. And then, every once in a while, my brothers would join me, and we bonded over that.

Some of my favorite memories are playing HORSE against my brothers on the old Nerf hoop. I think everyone has fun childhood memories of that. And even kids now, they don’t know what it’s like to be an adult. So as adults, we grow up and we have all these responsibilities. We provide for our family, we learn about taxes, and climbing the corporate ladder and all these pressures that we have as adults. When, as we were kids, all we wanted to do is play on our little Nerf hoop and take naps all day. Life was simple back then.

So, I think in that aspect, even as adults, I think we have something to learn, being more like a child. And also just the innocence of children. They don’t know anything about race or social status or anything else. It’s all stuff that we learn when we get older. So, that’s another kind of root behind the, Like a Child, name.

Can you just really quickly take me inside of this grant program, what you have going on with it and why you decided this is the best way to build on what the organization is already doing?

Yeah. So, like I said, we’re going to do five pairs of shoes and probably a $15,000 donation for each pair of shoes. And we’re going to pick five different nonprofits that help children in a variety of ways. And obviously, I’ve been exposed to a lot here in Charlotte — organizations, like I said, the children’s hospital. So I’ve partnered with them in the past, but there’s also a lot of nonprofits either in Charlotte or in Indiana or around the country that are doing really good work, but maybe I just haven’t heard of them yet.

And so, we wanted to offer a little bit of a grant program to expose ourselves and give them a chance to get involved as well. So anyway, we’ll pick one or more of those grant applicants and then I’ll wear a custom pair of shoes to highlight the work they’re doing and then also make a donation through the foundation.

I want to ask about 2020 and the impact that it has had on you. Like, how does it feel to launch a charity just before its stated purpose has really become more important than ever?

I obviously didn’t plan it that way, but it’s been perfect timing. And I think it’s been really cool to see how different organizations have handled COVID because obviously, some have handled it better than others. I think that the best organizations have taken care of their employees and done as much as they can to kind of give back in a time of need, rather than cover their own butt, if you want to put it that way. So, it’s been really cool to see other organizations that have stepped up and said, “We’re going to take care of our employees.” Even Michael Jordan, he was one of the first to say, “We’re going to take care of employee salaries and we’re going to help out however we can.”

It’s really cool to see when times are really tough, organizations or individuals give back even more, when a lot of times, a lot of businesses are losing money right now, but it says a lot about the business if they’re giving back at the same time, just because there’s so many people out there that are hurting. And that has been my whole takeaway — obviously, we’ve missed some games last year. Our season got cut short last year. Fingers crossed that it works out this year but, in the big scheme of things, there’s people that are a lot worse off than us. So, there’s always someone out there that has it worse off than you. So, I really sympathize for everyone that’s lost jobs or illnesses, lost family members. It’s really a tough time for everyone. So, it’s cool to see everyone come together and try to get through it together.

Yeah. And then with kids specifically, I don’t have children, I have friends with children. I have relatives with children. But it feels like a lot of kids have been put into situations where they have to grow up faster than any kid should. Have you noticed that and have you felt some kind of like added responsibility, as someone who works with children to be like, let’s do whatever we can, amid all of this, to make sure kids, even in the face of this unspeakable terror, can still have as normal of a childhood as they can, given the circumstances?

Yeah. You’re spot on. I don’t have kids either, but I’m the cool uncle for now. Luke has a seven-year-old little boy and Tyler has a three-year-old boy and a six-month-old little girl. And the same thing, I have a lot of other friends and family that have little kids and the kids aren’t able to … a lot of them aren’t able to go to school. If they are able to go to school, they’re missing sports. High school kids are missing graduations and prom. And there’s just so many fun, childhood memories that people are missing out on, even if it’s just riding your bike over to a friend’s house or going to the pool or whatever it is.

There’s so many fun memories that I had of being a kid, especially in the summer, of just playing with neighbors and stuff that, because of COVID, kids aren’t allowed to do. So, that’s another huge part of Like a Child, is to kind of preserve that childhood and hopefully give them as much of a childhood experience as they can, even though currently, they’re kind of missing out on some of those experiences. So, it’s another way that we’re going to try to give back.

So again, looking at the work that you do through the lens of 2020, has it shaped any opinions, ideas about things that you could do in ’21, in 2022, as this grows?

Yeah. I think the urgency has just been put on it that what we have here with targeting children is a huge need right now, and I think, even going into 2021 and beyond. So, I think if anything, I think it’s added urgency to what we’re doing and hopefully we can have an impact immediately. But, hopefully we can kind of broaden the impact that we can have in the future. So yeah, if anything, it’s just added urgency.

Did this year teach you anything that you didn’t already know about how to leverage what you have as an athlete into something bigger and more important and more impactful than just the joy that you guys bring into people’s lives by playing basketball at a high level?

Yeah. I think back to the children’s hospital visits, that always puts things into perspective for me because, when I see the joy and the happiness that the kids have at the children’s hospital, it puts things back into perspective that, whatever’s going on in my world, that I stress about, whether it’s a bad shooting night or a twisted ankle, whatever it is. In the big scheme of things, there’s more to life than just what happens, win or lose, on the basketball court.

I do have that platform and athletes in general have that platform of, when I step out on the court or on TV and, even if it’s just something as simple as customizing a pair of shoes, can have a big impact — I’m going to wear shoes, anyway. But, just to do a little drawing on the side can have a big impact because we’re on TV, we’re on SportsCenter, we’re on wherever. And just to kind of add some awareness to some of these good non-profits to some of the work they’re doing.

On the perception of athletes, do you view yourself and your brothers and sisters in sport as people who have a responsibility to do things for your community?

Yeah, I think so. My high school coach used to always quote Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much is required.” And he used to use that on me as was yelling at me during practice, because I have the given a lot. I mean, seven feet tall, I have athletic ability. So, on the basketball side of things, I’ve been given a lot. But also, with my platform, financially, my resources, I think I have been giving a lot. So, I think I do take a lot of responsibility and kind of giving back and doing whatever I can to help others. And like we discussed, I kind of have a soft spot in my heart for kids and children, just so they can have kind of the same childhood that I had of a lot of positive memories and a lot of fun to be a kid.

What is the message that you have for the children who have had a really tough go of it this year? As we finally get to this point where like, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there is something like a vaccine on the horizon, and life may not end up being normal by the time we get to 2021, but we can start to go back to experiencing the kind of things that we should be experiencing?

Yeah. It’s tough for kids because a lot of them don’t understand. Like I said, my seven year old, little nephew doesn’t understand why he can’t give hugs to his grandma or to my mom, people like that. So, there’s some things that just breaks your heart. The kids can’t experience or don’t understand about the virus or why you can’t touch or why you can’t hug or why you can’t kind of have social interactions with loved ones. So that kind of breaks your heart. But, I hope kids come out of it with a better appreciation for being able to do that stuff, to be able to be around their friends or be able to go to school, little things like that. So hopefully, if there’s anything positive that can come out of it with the kids, hopefully, they’re excited to get back to kind of normal life, eventually.

2020 was a wash for the travel world. Entire segments of the industry were temporarily shut down. Airlines faltered. Hotels had to close their doors for months at a time (many shuttered permanently). It was, in a word, bleak.

While the travel industry will be fundamentally different in the future (hopefully better), there is some hope on the horizon as vaccines arrive and lockdowns continue to halt the spread of the virus. We’re not out of the woods — not by any stretch — but it feels realistic to start eyeing that “where I want to travel next” list a little closer at the outset of 2021.

One of the key aspects of any adventure — whether on a road trip, closer to home, or at a far-flung locale — is where to stay. Hotels, resorts, and home-shares often reveal something about the destination, thereby becoming integral to your trip itself. A good hotel is a nice place to lay your head; a great hotel is an experience that sticks with you.

We gathered some of our favorite professional travelers to talk about the hotels, BnBs, homestays, and resorts around the world that they can’t wait to get back to when it’s safe to travel again. Let’s get to it!

Hacienda Encantada Los Cabos Resort, Mexico — Melanie Sutrathada

Average Price: $140

Why This Hotel:

Hacienda Encantada Los Cabos Resort is one of my favorite places in the world. With postcard-perfect views and stunning sunsets that will stop you in your tracks, this resort is pretty much what you’d imagine as the set of Bachelor in Paradise — minus all the couple-swapping and drama.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

A horseback ride along the beach! I actually did miss this while I was visiting and still regret it to this day. This is an activity that nearly everyone I spoke to during my stay could not rave enough about.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

If you went to Cabo San Lucas and didn’t see the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, did you really even go? Book a boat ride that takes you past it and spend your afternoon snorkeling and swimming.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Head to Los Riscos at the resort for the surf and turf and a delicious jalapeno margarita just before the sunset. This restaurant is located on a cliff with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and is easily the most beautiful place I’ve ever had dinner. The quality of the food, service, and views simply cannot be beaten!

Gramercy Park Hotel, New York — Benjamin Liong Setiawan

Average Price: $350

Why This Hotel:

It’s a gorgeous hotel with a ton of history and it’s located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Manhattan. World-class art is dotted all over the property. You’ll find works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, David LaChapelle, Annika Newell, and Damien Hirst.

Make sure to request a room with a view of the historic Gramercy Park.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

I’ve lived in NYC for over 20 years and have only been inside Gramercy Park when I was staying at the hotel. The park is gated and only residents who live in a property immediately surrounding the park have a key to it. Accessing Gramercy Park is something that no other hotel in the city can offer.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

The Gramercy neighborhood has no shortage of top-notch dining. My favorite, Rezdôra, is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. I’ve celebrated my birthday there, Mother’s Day there, and everything in between. The staff is so warm and welcoming. It feels like dining at a friend’s house. A friend who just happens to have worked with Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana in Modena.

Chef Stefano Secchi specializes in cuisine from the Emilia Romagna region. Go hungry and order the pasta tasting menu for the whole table.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

A major bonus of being a guest at Gramercy Hotel is having Maialino in the building. I wouldn’t mind having breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. But no matter what time of day you go, definitely order their famous Olive Oil Cake. Their wine list is also extensive.

For drinks, definitely grab a spot at the Rose Bar. If you’re lucky, your future stay will coincide with one of their intimate concert series (of course when it’s safe to resume again). Previous performers include Axl Rose, Elle King, and BØRNS.

Rancho Valencia, CA — Nathan Fluellen

Average Price: $700

Why This Hotel:

Rancho Valencia is a secluded oasis of luxury located in Rancho Sante Fe, CA, in north San Diego county. The treelined driveway gives a dramatic entrance to the sprawling property. Every room is a suite designed with a living room, fireplace, and private patio. But my favorite part of the room was the bathroom. The showerhead had terrific water pressure, and the sunken tub was big enough for me to extend my legs while soaking.

The rooms and amenities are spectacular, but the solitude is what really has me dreaming about returning. It’s a two-hour drive from L.A. and the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle without having to hop on a plane.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

You can’t miss out on taking a yoga class at the spa. The instructor teaches the class on a floating platform surrounded by water. The studio’s open-air structure welcomes in the fresh air and safe environment for your practice.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

You can’t miss booking one of the house Bentleys to take for a spin and explore the surrounding areas. Rancho Valencia gives guests the option of driving the Bently Flying Spur, Continental G.T. coupe, or convertible.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

The Pony Room is an excellent al fresco dining option. Its Spanish courtyard has an intimate setting for dining under the sunny blue sky or twinkling stars. My favorite dishes are the swordfish bites and classic ceviche.

Central Station Hotel, Memphis — Joe Sills

Average Price: $130

Why This Hotel:

I can actually walk to this hotel from my apartment… so I suppose I could just sleep at home. What I can’t do at my apartment is spend a night in the lounge mingling with Memphis music royalty while marinating in the hot buttered soul of Isaac Hayes or getting turnt to the trap beats that laid the framework for modern hip-hop.

Though the hotel has been open during the pandemic, the weekend crowds have dissipated.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

The Lounge at Central Station has an authentic, Memphis style that skips the gift shop vibes at Graceland and cuts right to the heart of the city’s soul. You’ll want to grab a sofa and linger here for as long as your night allows while the city’s top disc jockeys — like DJ Alpha Whiskey, Memphis Jones, and Jared Boyd — curate deep tracks from the libraries of Stax Records and Hypnotize Minds. The sounds resonate from a 500-album collection of vinyl stacked 30-feet high and a bespoke collection of Eggleston Works speakers designed specifically for the room.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot famed producer Boo Mitchell or pioneering hip-hop icon DJ Spanish Fly in the crowd.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

In a city bathed in music history, the can’t-miss activity has nothing to do with Sun Records or Stax. Instead, walk a few hundred yards down the street to the National Civil Rights Museum. This is the former Lorraine Motel, forever etched in American history as the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

You will be moved.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Fine dining aficionados can head over to Bishop, housed inside the building, or meander over to personal favorites like Rizzo’s or Central BBQ nearby. If you’re in the mood for ‘que, try the barbecue nachos on house chips, a secret menu item that I once ate in a disgusting fashion on Travel Channel.

Parrot Nest Lodge, San Ignacio, Belize — Kinga Philipps

Average Price: $45

Why This Hotel:

This is every Peter Pan dream you’ve ever had come true. There are two tree houses perched in 100-foot Guanacaste trees and seven rustic cabins set on the banks of the Mopan River with wildlife on your doorstep and twinkling fireflies at night make it even more magical. Communal tables in the open-air lounge and abundant hammocks overlooking the riverbank give it a hippy vibe that fits the location like a glove.

The sound of rain on the roof of the cabin is just so dreamy. It will rain. You’re in a jungle.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Take the innertubes and float down the river then play on the rope swing. The resident dogs will come with you and swim the entire way to guide you so you don’t miss your exit.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Caracol and Tikal are the nearby Mayan ruins reminding us that we are mere blips on the timeline of civilization. Horseback riding, river tubing, and, of course, caves round off the smorgasbord, but one of these grottos will nestle deep into your memory for life: Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM for short.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

The home cooking is tasty. The menu changes regularly. And, mealtime is when you can swap stories with other travelers over a drink and decide on the next day’s plan of action.

Sonnenalp Vail, CO — Juliana Broste

Average Price: $320

Why This Hotel:

One of my favorite places in the world is just a couple of hours’ drive from my home in Denver, but it feels like I hopped on a plane to Europe! Vail, Colorado is all about Bavarian charm, and hotels like the Sonnenalp give you the international flair you’re longing for.

This property has been a mainstay in Vail for over 40 years, and for good reason.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Treat yourself to a spa day and enjoy a soak in the heated indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools or splurge on a treatment. Out of towners acclimating to the high altitude may enjoy the Oxygen Bar.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Winter or summer, you’ll find endless adventure on Vail Mountain! Skiers and snowboarders will discover something for everyone, from groomed trails, wide open back bowls, and fantastic tree skiing across a whopping 5,000 acres. My fave, packing a BBQ picnic and cooking out at Blue Sky Basin. Winding down the day at apres ski with a drink in hand at your favorite watering hole in Vail Village is all too fun for locals and visitors alike.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

You can’t miss brunch at Ludwig’s for a bountiful European-style breakfast (you can work off all the calories on the mountain later). In the evening, fondue at The Swiss Chalet always hits the spot!

ARRIVE Memphis — Ciara Johnson

Average Price: $115

Why This Hotel:

ARRIVE is the perfect launchpad for a weekend in Memphis. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Memphis and the vintage decor will make you want to stay for good.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Sip on a Goji Berry Sling at the onsite creative cocktail bar, Bar Hustle!

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

You’ll find the National Civil Rights Museum directly across the street from ARRIVE. Once the Lorraine Motel (where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), the NCR Museum is a sobering, multimedia experience where you’ll learn about Civil Rights and the large role that Memphis played in the movement.

Don’t forget to grab some Memphis BBQ at Central Barbeque while you’re in the area!

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Enjoy fresh bread and pastries at Hustle & Dough, an all-day bakery. Arrive early to beat the line!

Cempedak Island, Indonesia — Justin Walter

Average Price: $425

Why This Hotel:

When I daydream about post-pandemic travel, I transport myself to the paradise I experienced at Cempedak Island. After the rollercoaster year of #2020, everyone deserves the luxury, beauty, and tropical oasis provided by this private island located off the coast of Singapore. Embracing the “treat yo’ self” mantra, spending a few days in one of the property’s open-air bamboo villas — each with a private infinity pool overlooking stunning views of the South China Sea — is an escape to heaven.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

There are a lot of chill things to do here while you detox your pandemic stress, but at the top of the list is a massage at the spa! By far this is one of the best massages I’ve had around the world, plus it takes place in a gorgeous bamboo hut to the sound of real waves crashing underneath.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

I recommend renting a kayak to paddle around the entire 42-acre island. This is a great way to see the villas, jungle, and mangroves from afar while getting in a good workout.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Trust me on this, every meal here is finger-licking good, and everchanging daily menus infuse Indonesian and international flavors using fresh, local ingredients. Make sure to enjoy any of the signature tropical cocktails at the Dodo Bar for sunset.

The London Edition Hotel — Cameron Lee

Average Price: $442

Why This Hotel:

Beautiful historic building façade with an interior that’s a mix of old and new, tradition and modernity. It’s luxury for the new modern traveler that’s seeking the subtle luxury experience and service without the stuffy flashiness of the traditional 5-stars hotel.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

The hotel’s restaurant, Berners Tavern is one of the hottest restaurants in town, under the direction of a Michelin-Starred Chef. It’s contemporary British cuisine at its best, along with the stunning décor and design of the restaurant itself.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

So many! The hotel is in central London’s Fitzrovia. It’s just off Oxford Street and Soho with its bustling shops and bars, within walking distance of Covent Garden, the West End, and Regent’s Park. You must have a night out in Soho if you’re staying here.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Book a visit to the Punch Room, inside the hotel. It is tucked in the back and booked by reservations only. It’s a modern reincarnation of London’s 19th-century private clubs. The menu consists of 30 specialty punches. You will not be disappointed with any of these special creations.

Hotel Lutetia Paris — Amanda Burrill

Average Price: $630

Why This Hotel:

I used to live in Paris, so when I say, “I’m not a city girl,” believe it. I miss it. When I return I’ll beeline to my favorite luxury hotel in the city of lights: Lutetia. This Art-Deco landmark in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres has everything one needs to indulge under one roof: An eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and lounges. Akasha — the zen 7,500 sq. ft. spa — has the best bathtubs on the planet and phenomenal views of the Eiffel Tower because … when in Paris.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Since the hotel’s grand reopening in 2018, Brasserie (Lutetia’s Provence-inspired primary eatery) has returned to its original 1910 layout. There are two floors of open, vibrant hustle and bustle. Please do exactly what I did on one of my best nights there: After a seafood platter, dine on the quintessential Marseilles bouillabaisse, and then finish with a souffle. Retire to your quarters with a glass of wine and slip into the world’s most luxurious built-in marble bathtub, complete with a full line of Hermes products.

Extra. Special.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Lutetia is an eclectic luxury, so choose an edgy activity to match. Taxi or take the 45-minute stroll up to the grandiose Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, aka Sacre-Couer, the highest point in the city. The tour is optional and lovely, but the real treat is gazing over the city. A hop and skip back down the hill is the iconic Moulin Rouge, the birthplace of the modern can-can dance. Everyone must visit the Moulin Rouge at least once in their lifetimes.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

The floor-to-ceiling Art-Nouveau frescoes in Bar Josephine will take your breath away. Sit at the bar and drink a Rive Gauche made with Guillotine vodka, St. Germain liquor, citrus, celery simple syrup, and topped with Champagne. By day, the bar feels intimate with light flooding in from the picture windows on two sides. It’s a great place to people-watch. By night, enjoy the live music. The bar is a Jazz-age legend, after all.

Timber Cove Resort, Sonoma, CA — Mike Schibel

Average Price: $450

Why This Hotel:

Nestled along the Sonoma Coast in Northern California, this resort offers rugged beauty, expansive breathtaking views, farm-to-table options, and an incredible history of famous artists and innovators who played and created on the property. The rooms and main lodge are cozy, combing upscale luxury with raw nature.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Take one of the many coast view walks. I highly recommend hiring a local guide to learn the history of the area and property while also learning about the vibrant sea life that plays just off the shore.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Cafe Aquatica in nearby Jenner is a must-stop coffee cafe.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

The always-evolving menu changes with the season. Try what is fresh from the sea or garden and ask your server for their favorites and they will take great care of you. This Northern California treasure is a stone’s throw from some of the best winemakers in the world. Enjoy the wide variety and select something to enjoy while you watch the sun dip over the Pacific.

Hotel Eden Rome, Italy — Zach Johnston

Average Price: $600

Why This Hotel:

Rome is one of my favorite destinations in the world. While there are a lot of great options for cool homestays in the Bohemian Trastevere neighborhood, a bespoke hotel experience is calling me back hard right now. The Hotel Eden — part of the famed Dorchester Collection — literally has it all. A hidden bar in the lobby? Check. A stellar and understated spa? Check, check. Amazing views of Rome from a rooftop bar and restaurant? Of-f*cking-course. Rooms that are unmatched in the industry when it comes to design, furniture, and comfort? You’d better believe it.

This place is about the experience of living in Rome in a Patricia Highsmith world of luxury, Jazz, intrigue, and three Martini lunches that just speaks to me. I can’t wait to get back there.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

The hidden Library Bar in the lobby is a real treat. It’s the perfect place to meet friends before heading out into the city for a bottle of Champagne or one or two expertly built cocktails from a barman in a white jacket, bowtie, and gloves. As the library shelves swing open and reveal a perfectly fitted bar, you’ll be transported to another time and place. The quality of the drinks might mean that you never even make it out into the city as the Champagne flows and the martinis never empty.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

There’s so much to do and see in Rome. A trip to Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a must if you want to experience the old-school deli nature of great Roman foods and drink.

Another must is a tour of Roman ruins or the Vatican or both. A great way to avoid all the lines and get a guide who’s often trained at a university level to talk architecture, history, or art, is to book a tour with City Wonders. Imagine getting a tour of the Colosseum from a doctorate of archaeology and you’ll have an idea of why booking a guided tour like this makes all the difference.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

There’s an abundance of places to eat and drink in Rome. You could spend a day strolling around Trastevere and only scratch the surface. My first choice is to head up to the rooftop of the hotel and snag a table at La Terrazza. Chef Fabio Ciervo is a modern Roman chef who’s changing the idea of what Roman cooking is and can be one dish at a time. For instance, chef Ciervo spent years matching heritage grains to create one of the best and most digestible pizza crusts in the world. His pizza really is magical. Then, there’s the rest of the stellar menu, killer views over Rome, and a perfectly executed bar menu.

W Taipei — Andrew Gunadie

Average Price: $213

Why This Hotel:

Taiwan’s response to the pandemic has been exemplary and it’s one of the safest countries to visit (if you can get in!). W Taipei is a favorite of mine. It’s got a sophisticated and electric vibe, and the service is first class. It’s also surrounded by great restaurants, shopping, and directly connected to transit.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

You’ve got to make time for afternoon tea at YEN Bar on the top floor of the hotel. They’ve got a rotating menu of creative themes and collaborations, and some of the best views of the city and Taipei 101.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Taipei has some of my favorite night markets in Asia, so head out to tourist-friendly Shilin or Raohe, or explore one of the smaller local favorites. Ximending is another vibrant district where you’ll find a ton of great food and entertainment.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

The Kitchen Table at W Taipei has a next-level breakfast buffet. You’ll find all of your classic western breakfast and bakery items, as well as Chinese and Taiwanese dishes, noodle soup bar, fresh fruit juices made-to-order, sushi, ice cream, and more! You will always find me loading up on dumplings and scallion pancakes, one of my favorite Taiwanese dishes.

W. Punta de Mita, Mexico — Leigh Grimes

Average Price: $450

Why This Hotel:

About a 30 minute ride from Puerta Vallarta, The W sits on a beach between the ocean and a whole lot of jungle. My car dropped me off at monstrous gates and I got out wondering if dinosaurs would be on the other side. *Cue Jurassic park music.* Instead, I was greeted with smiles, a cold lavender towel, and a refreshing, iced agua de jamaica.

After checking in, a man in a tuk-tuk — just like the ones in Bangkok — took me and some other guests about 10 minutes down the road, to our rooms. We drove under a gorgeous green canopy of tall trees and past two pools. The W’s contemporary-modern design offers an edgy contrast to the jungle setting. The rooms are cement, futuristic structures that line the property and are swallowed by lush jungle. The designers also did a seamless job at mixing Mexican and Asian culture, patterns, colors, and decor without taking away from the clean and luxurious vibe that the W is so well known for.

I often replay this trip in my head. It was one of those stays that, in retrospect, leaves you not quite sure if it was even real. It felt so dream-like. The staff made sure that I felt seen and happy. I mentioned to one waiter on my first day that I loved green juice and every day following there was one waiting for me at breakfast. They were happy to speak Spanglish with me. Me siento en casa — “I feel at home.”

Truly, the hospitality cannot be matched at The W Punta de Mita.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

One? No chance. You’ve got to give me at least four!

Yoga on the Camino Huichol — a massive runway that runs throughout the resort that’s made of more than 700,000 individual mosaic tiles with designs inspired by the Huichol Indigenous people of Mexico.

Bubbles & beats with a poolside DJ on Saturdays.

Take a pic at WET TOO, the adults-only pool, which has a clear glass wall so you can get cool IG photos while you’re swimming.

Bring your doggy… I really wish I knew that it was a pet-friendly place. My baby would have loved it here!

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Surfing in and around Puerto Vallarta is a must. The towns of San Pancho and Sayulita are world-famous cruisy surf villages populated by welcoming locals and ripping hippies. There’s also fantastic surfing just steps from the property!

Another gem is Islas Marietas — easy to visit on a day trip. The waters surrounding these islands are a hotbed for whale watching and the chain itself is home to white-sand beaches and the famous “hole in the rock” beach — loved by Instagrammers everywhere.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Mesa 1 at the W Punta Mita is an island to table experience that keeps you in a dream throughout the entire evening. They mesmerize you with ambiance and delicacies. They seduce you with the taste of a well-crafted — as in, could be personalized just for you — menu. The next day, you will be left with just the flashbacks of an incredible, picture-perfect, unforgettable night.

Ceviche-making at Chevycheria — a 1950’s vintage Chevy truck turned beachside ceviche bar. They do veggie ones as well!

Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union, WA — Steve Bramucci

Average Price: $200

Why This Hotel:

There’s something so Pacific Northwest about Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, Washington. It’s really near nothing; located on the Hood Canal in a tiny town. The beach is made of oyster shells and smooth stones, tumbling over each other with the ebbs and flows of the tide. The smell of sea brine is forever present in the air.

The beauty is not just stunning, but vast. This is a corner of the country where the vistas have tremendous scale.

There are so few times in the life of a travel writer when you’d ever dare tell people it’s all good just to stay on property. Normally the idea is to get people out of the habit of lazying around a resort. But this hotel — with its hikes through old-growth forests, kayak paddles across the canal, and on-site spa is the sort that captivates you and holds you tight.

One Can’t-Miss Activity On The Premises:

Go for a hike — there are trailheads right on the property. Witness the towering evergreens overhead. Feel the loamy soil underfoot. Marvel at how everything is alive. Even the dead trees have already gone soggy and created a home for salamanders, mushrooms, and moss.

One Can’t-Miss Activity Off-Property/In Town:

Alderbrook is really the gateway to Olympic National Park — the wettest place in the lower 48 and one of the most rugged, wild coastlines in the country. Plan of taking a variety of hikes here (check our guide!), though my favorite is the truly wild Rialto Beach — where massive piles of trees (not branches, full trees) line the shoreline, worn smooth by the relentless Pacific Ocean.

What To Eat and/or Drink:

Hama Hama Oysters has long been beloved by our team, and for good reason. This drive is very worth it and though the on-property restaurants are exceptional, there are few culinary experiences to match oysters straight from the sea. Save room for the crab mac & cheese!

If you were looking forward to streaming Dune on HBO Max in 2021, you might want to sit… dune for this. According to a new report, the ongoing battle between Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. could result in the highly-anticipated sci-fi film being pulled from the list of 17 films being simultaneously released in theaters and on HBO Max. The two sides have been warring ever since WarnerMedia unveiled its aggressive streaming release plans at the beginning of December without informing concerned parties until mere minutes before the announcement. Via Deadline:

Legendary is in a big fight that might result in lawsuits after it financed 75% of tent poles Dune and Godzilla vs. Kong and was completely blindsided. Rumors have the solution to that breach being to preserve Dune as a traditional theatrical to preserve its franchise potential and since its October 1 release date falls well after the estimated late spring date when Covid vaccines should achieve herd immunity.

Whether Legendary will be successful in halting Dune‘s HBO Max release remains to be seen, but the studio was quick to threaten legal action against WarnerMedia when it became aware of the streaming plan. Dune director Denis Villeneuve also entered the fray and blasted Warner Bros.’ parent company AT&T in an open letter to Variety that was backed by Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa. “With this decision AT&T has hijacked one of the most respectable and important studios in film history,” Villeneuve wrote. “There is absolutely no love for cinema, nor for the audience here. It is all about the survival of a telecom mammoth.”

Villeneuve even went so far as to say that the streaming decision “might just have killed the Dune franchise.”

(Via Deadline)