Back in September 2024, thousands of North Carolinians were impacted by Hurricane Helene–including MJ Lenderman. Months later the “Rudolph” singer and countless other Asheville residents’ journey to rebuild has waged on.
We Love It Here is a 12-track project organized by Lamplight AVL showcasing the music works cut at the local recording home for so many, Drop of Sun Studios. While the compilation was previously released on vinyl for a limited time, it can now be enjoyed on digital streaming platform Bandcamp.
In a statement Drop Of Sin’s founder Adam McDaniel spoke about the sentimental project. “The remarkable breadth of these previously unreleased tracks reflect Drop of Sun’s core principle of fostering an environment for artists to freely and boundlessly create,” he said. “Being a resource to the Asheville arts community has yielded wonderful, long-lasting relationships, amazing songs like these, and a platform to communicate and cope during hard times. We are thrilled to share these exclusive songs with you.”
All proceeds raised from We Love It Here will go directly to artists and arts organizations who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Continue below to view the official tracklist and cover art.
Tracklist
1. Hello Mary – “Take”
2. MJ Lenderman – “Bury The Dog”
3. Nightlands – “MGD”
4. Fust – “Sebastian”
5. Green-House – “Crestfallen”
6. Animal Collective – “Collision Deep”
7. Sophie Thatcher & Maral – “Sad & Beautiful World”
8. Squirrel Flower – “Stick (Alt Version)”
9. Reggie Watts – “Left Side”
10. Horse Jumper Of Love – “Anger Is An Arch (instrumental)”
11. Floating Action – “Xomfort”
12. Animal Collective – “Better Things To Come” (only appears on vinyl release)
Artwork
Drop of Sun Studios
We Love It Here. A Benefit Compilation For Lamplight AVL is out now. Find more information here.
Yesterday (March 7), Doechii and her collaborative partner and DJ Miss Milan put their friendship to the test during an appearance on Hot Ones Versus. During the pair’s round of questions, Doechii revealed her biggest dating red flag was being a straight man.
“Strike one, you’re a man,” Doechii joked. “And you’re a heterosexual.”
While Doechii and DJ Miss Milan laughed after the confession. Her response has stirred up a heated debate online. Many heterosexual men have slammed Doechii for the remark. Some have disgustingly questioned Doechii’s queer identity. Ironically, heterosexual women seemed to overwhelming agree with Doechii.
“Welp, she just lost the male audience LMAO,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Hilarious and the comments are proving why she is right ,” penned one user.
“Most straight ppl don’t date queer ppl what’s the issue with her dating only queer ppl,” argued one user.
Doechii has not chimed into the frenzy online. But DJ Miss Milan did take a moment to thank supporters for coming to Doechii’s defense. “Seeing y’all tear those haters up… we win again ,” she wrote.
Watch Doechii and DJ Miss Milan’s full episode of Hot Ones Versus above.
Now, fans believe they’ve found something interesting hidden the background vocals on Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem. After diving into the project, supporters flocked to X (formerly Twitter) claiming that Lady Gaga’s latest song “How Bad Do U Want Me” secretly featured Taylor Swift.
Although both singers super fan bases (Little Monsters and Swifties) are unified in the now viral theory a new both claims otherwise. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, an insider has debunked the report.
Still, fans are not giving up without a fight. Many have gone on to reference instrumental and production similarities between Gaga’s “How Bad Do U Want Me” and Swift’s 2017 track “Gorgeous.” However, as the outlet points out, Gaga did not even sample Swift’s tune. Instead, “How Bad Do U Want Me” uses an interpolation of Yazoo’s 1982 track “Only You.”
While the pop titans are overdue for a chart-topping collaboration, Mayhem was not the vehicle for the musical meetup.
Judge for yourself. Listen to Lady Gaga’s new song “How Bad Do U Want Me” above.
Mayhem is out now via Interscope Records. Find more information here.
Jennie could use a quick refresher in her discography–both as a solo act and a member of Blackpink. In a new viral clip, the “Handlebars” singer confuses herself while thinking back on her catchy versus.
Yesterday (March 7), Jennie sat down with Variety to discuss her debut solo project Ruby. During the outlet’s video segment (viewable here) titled Does JENNIE Know Her Lyrics From Her Biggest Songs?, the entertainer was tasked with making breakout lines to the appropriate song. By a shocking turn of events, Jennie blank on multiple questions forgetting the lyrics to several of her past verses. This has sparked a hilarious response from fans online.
As the trivia starts, Jennie easily knocked about references to songs “Mantra,” “Love Hangover” and Blackpink’s “Lovesick Girls.” But things take a comedic route when she recites the lines to “Solo.”
“Is this a song of mine,” she asked. “Is this like Korean translated to English. No? There is no way I’d sing this line.”
She then realizes it was in fact something she vocal performs. “Wait,” she yelled. “Ok, I take that back. Guys, cut. This is the rap to ‘Solo.’”
When lyrics from “You&Me” are put in front of her, she replied: “I know these are my lyrics because this is something I would say.” But still, she struggle to remember its musical origins.
While rappers would be crucified for flubbing a line, it appears the same standard isn’t applied to singers considering Jennie’s fans laughed off the brain fog.
“She been so focused on her new stuff she forgot she was Jennie from BLACKPINK,” wrote one user underneath an unofficial fan page’s Instagram reshare.
“When she ask is this a song of mine? Yes Jennie it’s your song!!! ,” chimed another.
Despite her raved about role in Wicked, Ariana Grande has turned up empty-handed following the conclusion of the 2025 awards season. Through it all, fans of the “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” singer have been unwavering with their support. Seemingly as a way to thank them, soon Grande will share a token of her appreciation.
Today (March 8), Ariana Grande shared a video teaser subtly confirming her long-awaited Eternal Sunshine Deluxe album is officially on the way. In the clip (viewable here), momentous of innocence including a teddy bear and other sentimental items are boxed then incinerated. The video quickly cuts to the debris scattered on the pavement as a figure makes their way through the rubble.
Although the uploaded lacked a caption confirming such, the updated pre-save link and the post being shared with account Brighter Days Inc. (a call back to the initial Eternal Sunshine) all point to such.
Still, fans expected more was on the horizon. During an appearance on Penn Badgley’ Podcrushed podcast, Grande confirmed that, saying: “It’s funny because I really thought that it was just a very concise body of work that it what it is, and I think, forever in my head, Eternal Sunshine is that album. But, with time, I’m like, Oh, maybe there are some new ideas that could be included […] But yeah, I’ve been writing a lot, and maybe there’s some more, but I would like to do a deluxe at some point.”
While the pre-save and pre-order link (accessible here) is live, a tentative release date has not yet been shared.
Director Guy Ritchie has temporarily set aside his fixation for gentlemen and ungentlemen, but he’s still going gangster. In doing so, he’s teaming up with Pierce Brosnan as a mobster (duh) in MobLand. He will be accompanied by a Shakespearean Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy as an enforcer, for whom he has [sigh] ditched the Venom voice and the squirrelly nature of Alfie Solomons from Peaky Blinders. Let’s not waste any more time because this show is coming soon, so here’s what to expect.
Is There A Trailer?
Sure is. Tom Hardy’s mobster muscle even drops an “I think we have a situation developing.” He cannot stay away from the crime dramas, and we thank him for it.
Plot
Paramount Plus
Well, you’ve surely heard this one before. Mob families will come to blows (never go against the family, as Michael Corleone once warned and has been echoed by countless figures including the Kardashian crew) that could not only take out their empires but also the families themselves.
Let’s do the synopsis thing first:
Power is up for grabs as the Harrigans and Stevensons, two warring London crime families, clash in a kill-or-be-killed battle that threatens to topple empires and ruin lives. Caught in the crossfire is Harry Da Souza, the street-smart ‘fixer’ as dangerous as he is handsome, who knows too well where loyalties lie when opposing forces collide. As kingdom goes up against kingdom, lines will be crossed – and the only saving grace is a bet-your-life guarantee: family above everything.
Hardy will portray the aforementioned loyal fixer, Harry, who is employed by Conrad Harrigan, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. He recently told GQ that his is a “robust character” and a “mangled man who has charisma, but he’s someone who is dangerously on the edge.” Conrad’s wife, Maeve, is portrayed by Helen Mirren, and Brosnan views them as “business people who deal, sometimes, with violence” rather than the more straight-up label of “gangster.” Within that rough and tumble family will be Paddy Considine, who will surely be drawing upon his Irish heritage as part of this clan.
Also expect Ritchie to lean hard into “the vernacular, the colloquialisms, of Shakespeare,” and this particular family kingdom will make its home base in the English Cotswolds.
Cast
Paramount Plus
In addition to Hardy and Brosnan, Mobland stars Helen Mirren, Paddy Considine, Lara Pulver, Joanne Froggatt, Mandeep Dhillon, and Anson Boon.
George R.R. Martin appears to have moved on from House of the Dragon. He’s much more excited about the next Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which will be a grounded series focused on practical effects. His shift away from HBO’s Fire and Blood adaptation might ease his stress level due to the many changes made by HotD Showrunner Ryan Condal in the second season, which culminated in a muted finale (but the overall audience is still in it, unlike GRRM).
Those head-scratching shifts included toning down the “Blood and Cheese” episode and leaving a vital-to-the-book dragonseed, Nettles, out of the show. Additionally, viewers grew visibly weary at watching Daemon (such a rogue prince/mover and shaker in the first season) do nothing but be haunted and confused while endless strategy sessions took place at Dragonstone. A key clash (the Battle of the Gullet) was also postponed for budgetary reasons, but finally, the third season is promising that long-awaited action. Let’s look at what we can expect from House of the Dragon‘s third season.
Plot
HBO
Bad news first? Although the third season will begin with the Battle of the Gullet HBO creatives have not confirmed whether the Battle Above God’s Eye, involving aerial fighting between Daemon and mini-me Aemond, will surface soon. Yet this might really be good news. Although Helaena already prophesied about this clash, it’s hard to imagine Ryan Condal wanting to blow that battle out of the water (er, sky) before the fourth season. After all, this meeting between the show’s pettiest rivals is going to be brutal on a storytelling level. If you’ve read Fire and Blood or dug into Helaena’s angst on the battle, then you know that this fight will be positively climactic.
The better news is that the Battle of the Gullet will bring warring fleets to screen and put words into action with this show. This battle follows the alignment of various houses with Team Green and Team Black, and Lord Corlys/Sea Snake will make good on his vow to do everything possible to advance Rhaenyra’s cause so that she can claim King’s Landing and her rightful place on the Iron Throne. Expect a great loss of life in this fight that will extend through sea and sky, and if the show sticks with a key death in the book, both audience and main characters will be shattered.
HBO’s Head of Drama Series and Films Francesca Orsi told Deadline that this battle will “surprise” viewers, which should be music to the ears of an audience who are craving more energy. Much of the battle’s vitality will come courtesy of a Titanic producer joining the series:
“You know what, it was worth the wait,” Orsi said about the upcoming battle scene. “I was just on set and saw all the elements and what was behind it. I’m so glad we waited because it’s going to be better than ever, and I don’t think we had the time at that point to do what it is that we’ve achieved now this season.
“It’s just so massive, we needed the time to build it,” Orsi continued. “One of the lead producers on it [Kevin de la Noy] worked on Titanic, so all that he brought in terms of acumen of what happened on the Titanic and how that entire experience is built, he brings that expertise to it.”
Additionally, we will see Rhaenyra do something more than languish in policy discussions while moving in on King’s Landing. Emma D’Arcy teased Gold Derby when quizzed on the subject of leaping into action: “I got what I wanted, folks.” Meanwhile, Ryan Condal declared, “[T]he goat is back.” (I’ll just leave that right here for speculation’s sake, but damn, it would be nice to see Stepstones Daemon again.)
The third season could also bring the Butcher’s Ball battle to the screen. If that happens, it might not end well for a despised character. Yay!
Cast
HBO
Returning cast members include the following:
– Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen)
– Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower)
– Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen)
– Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen)
– Steve Toussaint (Corlys Valeryon)
– Phia Seban (Helaena Targaryen)
– Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon II Targaryen)
– Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty)
– Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria)
– Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower)
– Bethany Antonia (Baela Targaryen)
– Phoebe Campbell (Rhaena Targaryen)
– Matthew Needham (Larys Strong)
– Fabien Frankel (Criston Cole)
– Harry Collett (Jacaerys Velaryon)
– Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin)
– Freddie Fox (Gwayne Hightower)
– Tom Bennett (Ulf White)
– Hugh Hammer (Kieran New)
This season, we will also meet Daeron Targaryen (rumored to be portrayed by Harry Gilly), the youngest son of Alicent and Viserys.
And will Paddy Considine be back as full-fledged Zombie King Viserys? Please.
Release Date
Ryan Condal has confirmed that scripts are complete, and filming will resume “in a few weeks.” House of the Dragon will then return sometime in 2026.
Trailer
No footage has been released yet, but at least we can look forward to more of the below excellence in battle form:
I’ve traveled to Easter Island, deep into the rainforests of South America, trekked to see the gorillas in Rwanda, and swam with sharks around the globe. I’ve also hiked through the rainforest in other Central and South American countries, but it’s been high on my list for a while to experience the rainforest of all rainforests: the Amazon.
I finally made it happen a few months back, planning a trip with Expedição Katerre, traveling to the Brazilian Amazon to explore the plant life, local communities, and of course, the wildlife like scorpion spiders, tarantulas, toucans, sloths, and the mysterious pink dolphins, making my 90s Lisa Frank dreams a reality.
When choosing who to travel here with, it was important to me to choose a company that allows their guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature, with a few modern luxuries, while still being off the grid, truly experiencing adventure living on a boat for the week. Expedição Katerre has multiple itinerary options that range between three, four, and seven nights. I signed up for the National Parks Anavilhanas and Jaú for four nights and one night at the Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge in the rainforest to recoup after the boat, beginning with 2 nights in Manaus.
The trip begins by flying into Manaus, Brazil, a major jumping off point for those looking to visit the Amazon Rainforest. When booking your hotel, give yourself plenty of time to get to the area and book a transfer car in advance. I chose a basic room with a view at the Juma Opera. The rooms had a comfortable king bed, a sizable bathroom, nice views of the garden, some storage space for your bags, a desk to get a little work done, and all your basic amenities like plenty of powerful AC to battle the intense Brazilian humidity and heat. The rooftop pool overlooking the Opera House was what really did it for me. The pool is open from early in the morning, until about midnight, so you can enjoy a beautiful night swim under the stars, listening to the music from live bands playing at the bars around the neighborhood.
Caxiri Amazônia
If you feel like venturing out from the restaurant attached to Juma Opera, this is a great place to try some local cuisine. It’s about a three minute walk from the hotel, so easy to get to.
Transfer from Manaus to Novo Airão
You’ll board the boat in Novo Airão, about a 3-hour drive from Manaus. I went with Cooperativa de Taxistas de Novo Airão and their driver, Fernando. The transfers ended up costing about $150 total, so not bad at all for two 3-hour transfers. From there, the group meets at Mirante do Gavião Lodge, where the boat is docked. The amazing team takes care of all the bags, so you can just take in the rainforest views as you make your way down to the dock.
PART ll — Itinerary For The 4 Night, 5 Day Adventure
Board the Jacaré-Tinga Boat to Begin Your Adventure
Photo by Jessica Kelly
The Jacaré-Tinga boat gives travelers a view into the regional, local style of boats. Of course, you have a little bit more comfort like air-conditioning in the rooms, but the two-story, 53-ft boat is still a rustic way to experience the river. Each room within the wooden boat has a private bathroom and shower head, a bed, and AC, so everything you need. There’s even WiFi on board to check in occasionally with family, but for the most part, you’ll be off the grid. The small motor boats provide a way for the group to explore the flooded forests, and there’s a dining room with space for hammocks, tables, and chairs to relax and socialize. Every meal on board celebrates local, traditional cuisine. We tried fresh, regional fish, Brazilian barbecue, traditional desserts like creamy caramel pudding, fresh tropical fruit, acai, and even piranha.
Amenities:
Home cooked meals
Energy and AC in all cabins
1st-aid kit, pharmacy, experienced and trained staff
Full kitchen with oven, freezer, refrigerator, utensils
Equipment for the jungle
Powerful flashlight for spotting alligators, walkie-talkie radio for trails
Binoculars for bird watching
Multiple leisure areas
Card games, dominoes, checkers, chess and backgammon
Heading into the UNESCO “natural world heritage site,” the boat makes its way to the Jau National Park. It’s known to be the biggest freshwater forest park in the world. Home to natural beauty, waterfalls, plant life, and of course, plenty of wildlife. My trip was in early July, which is within the wet season. Visitors will have different experiences during the wet and dry seasons, allowing the chance to see various animals and experience different terrain. The wet season floods the Igapó Forests, so we explored a lot in a smaller motor boat that accommodated our small group of 5 and our guide, Noah. If you choose the Rio Negro itinerary, you’ll notice the lack of mosquitoes. When you think about the rainforest, many people think of bugs, and believe me there were plenty of those, but to my surprise, there were not a lot of mosquitoes. This is actually due to natural bug repellent within the water on the Black River.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Day 1: Manaus / Novo Airão / Anavilhanas
Photo by Jessica Kelly
On the first day of the expedition, the focus will be getting guests from their hotel in Manaus to Novo Airao. Once everyone arrives in the afternoon, the expedition begins with Katerre Expeditions through the Anavilhanas Archipelago with lunch on board and a briefing of what to expect. After lunch, there’s time on the first day to enjoy a swim in the river, a.k.a. the “big tea,” nicknamed that because the black river is a color resembling tea thanks to the tannins from the submerged plants. As we were in the water, tucuxi freshwater dolphins swam by! We took the speed boats out to explore the local flooded forests in the evening before heading to the Madadá lookout.
Day 2: Anavilhanas / Madadá
Photo by Jessica Kelly
The next morning, we woke up early with our flashlights to head back up to the Madadá lookout, the perfect place to watch the sunrise and listen to the sounds of the rainforest. Before it got too hot later in the day, we took a three-hour hike into the virgin forest to the Madadá Caves to explore various plant life and look for animals like bats, crab tarantulas, scorpion spiders, and more. In passing, we saw a vibrant pink home along the river that our guide, Noah, pointed out was his grandmother’s home. After the hike in the heat, we went for a refreshing swim in the river before coming in to get ready to go out on a night speedboat ride to look for caiman.
Day 3: Jau National Park
Photo by Jessica Kelly
We woke up bright and early to take the boat out and explore the flooded forest, looking for animal life. We saw ringed kingfishers, hoatzin and howler monkeys before stopping inside the flooded forest to use the bamboo fishing poles to catch piranha. We each caught a piranha and saved them to eat back on the boat! Once we were back on the boat, we made our way to the IBAMA base at the Park’s entrance by the Jaú River with steady, mirror-like waters.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
After zipping through the vines and tilted trees of the flooded forest, we made our way to a waterfall where we were able to cliff jump into the water and cool off. After a long swim, we made our way back to the boat to head to the Aturiá Community to see how they live and visit with the locals. That night, we went searching for nocturnal animals and came across caiman and snakes like the calloselasma rhodostoma and the vine snake!
Day 4: Jaú National Park
Photo by Jessica Kelly
On our last full day, we visited the Cachoeira Community to learn about local practices, play soccer with the kids, and browse the fruit orchards. We hiked to visit a giant tree around the community and ventured out on the aquatic trail with regional canoes, looking for animals. We came across many birds and a sloth!
Photo by Jessica Kelly
After a Brazilian BBQ lunch on board, we explored the ruins of an abandoned city that peaked during the rubber cycle, from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. After tapping rubber trees and coming across a golden orb weaver spider with a web so strong people have been known to use it for fishing line, we trekked past the Brazil nut trees back to the boat to return to the IBAMA base. One thing that has really shocked me is the size of the bugs! Praying mantises and locusts the size of mice, massive caterpillars and moths that I thought were bats!
Day 5: Novo Airão / Manaus
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Heading back towards Novo Airão, we took the smaller speed boat to explore the river in an attempt to see the mysterious Amazon Pink River Dolphins (which we were fortunate enough to see)!
After an incredible moment spotting the pink dolphins, we made our way to the Mirante do Gavião Lodge. The crew handled getting the bags to our rooms while we enjoyed a tour through Novo Airão, shopping for local art, wooden goods, beauty products made with materials from the Amazon and crafts.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Beleza Da Natureza is ran by our guide Noah’s mother and wife, selling chocolates filled with castanha (Brazil nuts) and cupuaçu (a chocolaty fruit) made by Noah’s mother (they were on the boat, as well, and so delicious) in addition to soap using local plants and clay, among other skin care products. We purchased wooden jewelry boxes, games, and boards using colorful, natural wood from Fundação Almerinda Malaquias and had a lovely lunch at Flor do Luar, a floating restaurant at Anavilhanas National Park serving fresh fish, where locals were swimming and enjoying the hot weather.
PART lll — Overnight Stay at Mirante do Gavião Lodge
After some fairly tight accommodations on the boat, it was so refreshing to have a night at the Mirante do Gavião Lodge to recoup before flying home. I stayed in one of the treehouse rooms — which had all of the modern luxuries like air conditioning, a sizable shower, a minibar, and WiFi, but my absolute favorite part was the wraparound balcony completely surrounded by dense, rainforest foliage.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
The wildlife adventure didn’t stop once we checked into the Mirante do Gavião Lodge. There were huge, pinktoe tarantulas in the trees, tree frogs, iguanas scaling the treetops, and sloths, as well!
Photo by Jessica Kelly
It’s all open, so various animals can come and go as they please. There’s an infinity pool that plunges into the flora, overlooking the river and a restaurant on the property, making it easy to grab a last-minute bite. Designed by Atelier O’Reilly, the Mirante do Gavião have developed activities within the dense jungle, tying in the local communities.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
The excursions included in the stay are meant to have a purpose! From the opening of the hotel a decade ago in August 2014, they’ve employed just under 50 people from local communities to ensure their guests are having an authentic introduction to the Amazon.
Photo by Jessica Kelly
Amenities:
Meals included
Spacious rooms with wrap around balcony
Excursions available with specific hotel packages
AC
Wifi
Options to pay an all-inclusive fee to have activities included
Great cocktails
Beautiful pool
Room Rate:Prices range drastically, but a 2 night package starts at about $1200 per person for a DBL base room. This includes the transfers in and out from Manaus, all jungle excursions, three meals a day (excluding drinks)
Lil Baby has been on a roll since the year kicked off. First, the “Redbone” rapper bounced back with WHAM (Who Hard As Me). Then he confirmed a joint project with Future was in the works. Shortly after, Lil Baby announced his WHAM World Tour. However, Lil Baby’s motion will slow down — specifically as it relates to his next self-titled studio album.
During a recent livestream (viewable here), Lil Baby revealed that he has officially delayed the release of Dominique. “The album drop in eight weeks,” he blurted out. “I had to push it back.”
Back in January, Lil Baby promised fans the project would hit streaming platforms in February. Since then, they have been hounding Lil Baby for updates as its promotional rollout seemed to halt without explanation.
Although Lil Baby has not confirmed the new expected release date for the album, based on his eight-week timeline, Dominique could land between late April or early May. Some online have begun to share their frustrations with Lil Baby’s update. Still, if he does manage to get Dominique out by May, that would still give fans time to dive into the project before Lil Baby’s tour jumps off in June.
When talking to Lil Yachty on his A Safe Place podcast, Lil Baby shared the creative direction behind the forthcoming project. “WHAM is more me on some young n**** sh*t — fast cars, girls, jewelry, money. You know, the turnt lifestyle,” he said. “And Dominique is more the serious me, more personal. That’s a part of the new journey I’m on. I hate the word vulnerable, but I’m gonna be more open to my fans and my audience.”
With its sunny weather, cliffside beaches, and laid-back pace, the Algarve Coast has this way of making you want to slow down, or maybe even stay forever (a girl can dream, right?).
As one of Southern Europe’s most beloved holiday destinations, the Algarve Coast isn’t short on beautiful resorts. But the W Algarve—the first outpost of the trendy W brand in Portugal, stands out as the perfect spot for those who aren’t shy about indulging a little. Okay, maybe a lot.
Pulling up to W Algarve late night, I hardly had time to say “obrigado” before a team member in a sporty uniform handed me a glass of orange sparkling wine and whisked away my bags. That small, luxe gesture set the tone for my stay. Flute in hand, I got all my burning questions answered at check-in, like where to find the best bars, the secret beaches, the morning’s workout classes, you name it. The W Algarve motto ‘Whatever/Whenever’ feels less like a promise and more like a way of life.
WHY IT’S AWESOME
W Algarve
Albufeira is the Algarve’s party capital, and while the W Algarve also leans toward spa treatments and wellness classes, it still fits right in with the area’s celebratory energy. Set back from its rugged coastline, the resort’s 134 rooms and 95 private residences curve into the shape of a whale’s mouth—an architectural feature you’d only spot from above, but a fun little secret to keep in your back pocket.
From the wavy stained-glass seating nooks in the W Lounge, where DJs spin house tracks most nights, to the cabana-lined Wet Deck with its double infinity pools, outdoor bar, and daytime DJ sets, the hotel is purpose-built for socializing. As you wander, curated playlists and mood lighting seamlessly transition the spaces from day to night, which usually wrap up at the Sea Sky Bar’s rooftop outlook for post-dinner drinks.
This isn’t a minimalist hotel, and honestly? I’m here for it. Sunflower yellow, baby blue, and splashes of pink made my room (which I entered through a mint colored door) feel fresh and joyful—a welcome break from Millennial gray overload. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light, while dimmable lights make it feel warm and cozy at night. When you arrive, a staff member gives you a quick rundown of the room’s coolest features—like the easy-to-use light panel with retractable blackout shades—and fun design touches, including a minibar inspired by the Algarve’s famous Moorish towers.
Throughout the property, nautical and artistic cultural touches tie the aesthetic together. Infinity Mirror ceilings in the lounge and lobby mimic the depths of the famous Benagil Caves, balconies sparkle with iridescent fish-scale tiles, and every bed is topped with a sardine-shaped pillow—a quirky homage to the Algarve’s rich fishing heritage.
IN HOUSE FOOD &DRINK
W Algarve
I noticed local families visiting W Algarve for birthday dinners at the resort’s on-site restaurants since they’re some of the best in Albufeira. Chef Julio Ferradas, with his Peruvian roots and 15 years of luxury dining experience, brings a unique twist to the resort’s three standout eateries.
Seasonally, you can enjoy bites at Air Champagne Bar, W Lounge, and Sip @ Wet. Be sure to ask the concierge about the events at W Algarve, like Sushi Madness nights and Peruvian Takeover, along with other happenings such as live music or festivals at Air happening during your stay.
Market Kitchen: Market Kitchen is the most casual of the three dining spots and features a Mediterranean-inspired menu. If you’re dining with a group, the Seafood Cataplana is an absolute must-try—it’s a flavorful, shareable dish that captures the essence of the Algarve. Daily breakfast is served at Market Kitchen buffet-style with made-to-order omelets and bottomless mimosas to kick off your day with some gusto.
Paper Moon: Originally opened in 1977 in Milan’s fashion district, Paper Moon brings its Italian heritage to the Algarve plating artisinal handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and inventive twists on Italian classics. I opted for the filete di manzo which was perfectly cooked and super fresh. And the tiramisu single-handedly changed my mind about the dessert!
Vino by Paper Moon: Vino serves up a killer wine list paired with small plates that hit all the right notes. The vibe is relaxed but refined, with wood accents and ocean views setting the perfect mood for an easy evening. If you’re there, don’t miss the pacchero pasta with octopus and the pineapple ravioli for dessert… Trust me on this one.
AMENITIES
W Algarve
Whatever/Whenever® Service: Personalized service catering to guests’ every need. WET Deck: A double-decker infinity pool with cabanas, perfect for sunbathing and poolside dining. Fitness Center: A well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment caters to those who prefer to stay active, offering a selection of wellness classes, like pilates and yoga. Away Spa: While the hotel’s social energy is unmistakable, the AWAY Spa offers a serene counterpoint of treatments and wellness experiences inspired by local ingredients like sea salt and olive oil. Event Spaces: Multiple venues for meetings, weddings, and special events, including a beach-front event space called Air. Access to Nearby Beaches: Despite being set back from the beachfront, the W Algarve offers easy access to hiking trails that take you along the coast where you’ll arrive at several coves and beaches ideal for swimming. Dedicated Experience Enhancers Team: For those looking to explore further, the Experience Enhancers team can organize trips to nearby attractions like the Benagil Cave, the charming town of Lagos, and a sunset at Cabo de São Vicente.
ROOM TYPES
W Algarve
My resort-view King room had a slight ocean view from the balcony, which felt spacious enough to really hang out on, more like an outdoor living room! No matter which room you choose, there are a few consistent details, my favorites included the mirrored double vanity space and the stunning wooden walk-in closet, which illuminates as soon as you step inside.
Deluxe Rooms: Spacious, stylish, and full of design elements inspired by the Algarve’s maritime charm. Choose from a private balcony with view of the ocean, of a private garden, or the resort itself—your call!
E-WOW Suites: Bigger spaces, bolder design, and curated regional art elevate the suites, making them a major step up from the standard rooms. Take your pick from ten WOW Suites—whether it’s the Rooftop Suite with its private plunge pool or the Extreme WOW Penthouse, where the celebrities stay in the Algarve. (We’re not gonna name drop.)
W Residences: Designed for longer stays and larger groups, these private apartments blend the sexy style of the suites with all the comforts of home. With kitchen facilities and extra couches and hangout areas, it’s the perfect mix of luxe and livable.
BEST THINGS TO DO WITHIN A 15 MIN WALK
W Algarve
Praia do Evaristo
Just a 12-minute walk from W Algarve, this is the beach to come to for golden sands, clear waters, and a tranquil day. In the high season you can rent a wicker parasol and lounger for sunbathing, and a beach bar offers local cuisine right on the sand.
Praia da Coelha
A 20-or-so minute stroll from W Algarve lands you at this tucked-away beach surrounded by cliffs. It’s quiet, laid-back, and the rock formations and little caves make for great shade spots. The water is calm and clear, perfect for a swim or spending a few chill hours off the radar.
Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira’s charming Old Town is nearby and a Bolt ride shouldn’t cost more than 10 euros. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings, browse local shops, and enjoy a coffee or pastel de nata at one of the many cafes. For a more scenic outing, take the coastal walk along the oceanfront, where you can visit beach bars, ride the famous beach elevator, and meet the friendly cats cared for by the Algarve Cat Colony.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
A boat ride through one of the Algarve’s most impressive protected wetlands, Ria Formosa Natural Park, makes for a serene afternoon. And despite the Algarve being known for its beaches, this wetland made a lasting impression on me. To get there, you’ll pay around $30 for a Bolt ride in the direction of Faro. You’ll cruise by tiny islands, each with its own vibe and history, and if you time it right, you might even spot flamingos hanging out in the marshes.
Quinta Dos Santos
Another hidden gem near the resort is Quinta Dos Santos, an incredible winery. I got a behind-the-scenes look at its history and winemaking process, and learned something new—never swish water around your glass between tastings. Apparently, it can affect the wine’s composition, and after doing plenty of tastings myself, I had no idea! If you visit during harvest season, you can try your hand at grape-treading at Quinta Dos Santos.
BED GAME
W Algarve
To me, a great bed isn’t about the extras, it’s the basics done right. The linens (300-thread-count) kept things smooth, so no frizzy hair or creases from side-sleeping, and the mattress was super comfy, with that perfect European firmness. Considering the bed-side button to raise and lower the blackout shade, I had a top-tier sleeping experience nightly.
Rating: 10/10
SEXINESS RATING
W Algarve
If there’s one thing a W Hotel is, it’s sexy. That said, there could have been more sexiness brought into the color scheme, which is more beach-y than smoldering, understandably. But one of the sexier elements for me is the partial lack of privacy in the west-facing rooms. When the sun hits just right, pool-goers at the WetDeck can catch a glimpse. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it situation… I personally enjoy the voyeurism.
Rating: 9/10
VIEWS & PIC SPOTS
W Algarve
The sleek interior design of W Algarve is perfect for showing off your vacation fits, and the whitewashed exterior against the blue sky and pool tiles makes a great backdrop for bikini pics or minimalist color-block shots.
Most of the ground floor and level levels of the hotel don’t offer immediate coastal views, but a quick walk down to the property’s edge (where you’ll pass the Air event space) leads to epic clifftop views. Ask the concierge for the Air event schedule for shows and festivals at W Algarve!
Rating: 9/10
BEST TIME TO VISIT
W Algarve
Summer in Europe’s southern regions can get pretty crowded, especially in the Algarve. So peak season isn’t exactly our top pick. The off-season, running from October to mid-April, is the sweet spot for visiting the Algarve if you’re looking to skip the throngs of tourists and enjoy a more chilled out vibe.
IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING
W Algarve
Not a major complaint, but something I’ve noticed in a few hotels this year: the jacuzzi was cool when I went for a nighttime dip. It’s supposed to go up to 32°C, so it should’ve been piping hot. Maybe I hit it after “hot hours” (around 9:30pm), but it just didn’t warm up for me. Minor gripe, though—and an easy fix!
BOOK HERE
Rates start at around $300 per night during the off-season, making it an accessible choice for those looking to enjoy the luxe experience. Marriott Bonvoy members can also take advantage of exclusive perks and discounts when booking at W Algarve.
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