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DATALAND

Los Angeles, prepare to have your minds blown and your retinas dazzled; DATALAND is coming. Opening in 2025 at The Grand LA, this isn’t a museum where you shuffle past oil paintings and nod thoughtfully while trying to figure out how people actually make sense of this stuff.

No, DATALAND is an electrified fever dream of human imagination fused with the wild possibilities of artificial intelligence. It’s the world’s first Museum of AI Arts, and it’s here to make your neural circuits do cartwheels (in a terrifying but secretly excited for all of this tech pioneering kinda way).

Brought to life by the digital sorcerer himself, Refik Anadol, and his partner in creative genius, Efsun Erkılıç, DATALAND is a swirling, data-driven utopia. Expect immersive experiences, mind-bending visuals, possibly an existential crisis about what it means to be human, and AI-generated wonders that will make you question reality.

This place is a playground where technology, creativity, and big ideas collide. With AI as your co-pilot, you’ll dive into massive datasets transformed into hypnotic digital tapestries, proving once and for all that math can be sexy.

Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, and now, those dreams are powered by algorithms. So, whether you’re an art geek, a tech nerd, someone who loves a good light show or anyone with a functioning pair of eyeballs, DATALAND is about to hijack your imagination in the best way possible.

Visit the world’s first Museum of BBQ

Kansas City, prepare your napkins because things are about to get gloriously messy; the Museum of BBQ is setting up shop in Crown Center. Officially opening in Spring 2025 (but figuratively open in our stomachs from right now), the world’s first shrine to smoked meats, saucy secrets, and pitmaster wizardry is coming to town, and it’s bringing all the sizzle.

Founded by barbecue aficionado Jonathan Bender (an Emmy-winning storyteller with a well-trained palate) and chef/butcher extraordinaire Alex Pope, this museum isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a full-on flavour experience. You’ll follow storytelling trails through the 4,223-square-foot space, exploring the essential BBQ elements: Meat, Rub/Spice, Wood, Fire, Smoke, and Sauce. It’s basically the periodic table for carnivores.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – boom – regional rivalry enters the chat. Wander through the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and, of course, Kansas City, to see how each locale smokes, slathers, and serves its barbecue. You can even take a pit stop in an oversized crock of barbecued beans, because why the hell not?

You won’t even walk out empty-handed. The gift shop will be slinging regional sauces, rubs, and BBQ swag, so you can take a little smoke home with you. Plus, a tiny, whimsical preview version of the museum is already waiting at Crown Center for those too impatient to wait for the real deal.

So, fire up your excitement, KC. The Museum of BBQ is coming, and it’s bringing the meat sweats with it.

Dine with Le Petit Chef

Fancy dining with a chef so tiny, he could sauté a single pea in a thimble? This is Le Petit Chef at The London Cabaret Club, where your dinner companion stands a whopping 6 centimetres tall (proof that size doesn’t matter, especially in the kitchen).

Born in Marseille in 2015, this minuscule maestro has been wowing taste buds worldwide with his exceptional French cuisine. But don’t let his stature fool you; Le Petit Chef brings big flavours and an even bigger personality to your plate.

Using 3D projection mapping, this bite-sized buddy is projected onto your table, embarking on culinary escapades that would make even Gordon Ramsay blush. Watch in amusement as he battles lobsters and plays whack-a-mole with pesky intruders. It’s dinner theatre meets tech wizardry, with a dash of “Honey, I Shrunk the Chef.”

As you chuckle at his antics, your real-life courses arrive, mirroring the tiny chef’s virtual creations. Opt for Le Petit Chef & Friends Premium menu, and you’ll indulge in a four-course feast featuring delights like a basil and tomato salad, lobster ravioli, succulent beef tenderloin, and a matcha cheesecake that’ll have your tastebuds begging for more. And if you’re a vego, no problem. There’s a menu for you too, because even tiny chefs know the importance of inclusivity.

Put aside everything you thought you knew about a typical restaurant experience because this is definitely not that. It’s an immersive culinary adventure that combines art, technology, and a sprinkle of mischief.

So, if you’re ready to be entertained by the world’s smallest chef with the world’s biggest ego, book your table at the London Cabaret Club. Just be prepared to share the spotlight – and maybe your dessert – with a chef who proves that great things come in the finest of packages.

Float into the stratosphere with Zephalto

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to get into space – Zephalto’s done it for you. But you do have to have a looooot of money (we’re talking AU$280,000 per flight kinda money).

Founded by a bunch of forward-thinking folks who decided, “Hey, why not ditch the traditional spacesuit and board a glorified hot air balloon for a stratospheric adventure?”, this company is all about making space travel more accessible (for the wealthy), but with a twist of elegance and a dash of whimsy.

Forget the claustrophobic cabin of a spaceship. Zephalto’s Celeste experience lets you gently float to the edge of space, sipping champagne while the Earth shrinks beneath you.

Like, imagine casually gliding up to 25 kilometres above the Earth for a second, and marvelling at a view so stunning that even your Instagram feed will look weak in comparison. Other people have to spend years in school to learn how to do this stuff, and all you have to do is sell a kidney.

The view is like your own personal Instagram filter, but better because it’s real. You’ll feel weightless, see the curvature of the Earth, and come back with a story so epic that it’ll make your friends’ overseas holidays look like a weekend getaway spent camping.

Zephalto’s Celeste isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s for anyone who wants a taste of space with none of the rocket-fuelled chaos. So, why not ditch the regular skydiving and try the ultimate high? The only thing more ridiculous than the idea is how amazing it actually is.

Enjoy a meal at Cavern Restaurant

If you’re ready to eat like you’ve never eaten before, then Singapore’s newest dining hotspot is literally taking things underground. Nestled within the lush greenery of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this new cavern restaurant is not your average dining experience.

You’ll be seated in a cave-like space inspired by the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, surrounded by natural rock formations, with the soothing sounds of wildlife in the background. So, it’s basically like a date with Mother Nature, but with a ‘Stone Age burger’ or two.

But it’s the entire vibe of the place that makes it truly unique; a hidden gem (pun very much intended) in the heart of nature. You’re eating within the confines of a gigantic cavern, surrounded by epic rock walls that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in a secret lair.

Now, the food – oh boy. The menu is an impressive mix of local delicacies with an international twist, featuring everything from grilled meat skewers to decadent desserts. Each dish is designed to wow your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Think sustainable, locally sourced ingredients plated with finesse (and a side of cave charm).

It’s not every day you get to dine in a space resembling cavern while sipping on a craft cocktail and wondering what the wild animals right outside the walls are doing. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts “wow” and “yum,” this is your Singaporean spot.

Coral Gardeners launch new project in Thailand

Our good friends over at Coral Gardeners are diving headfirst into their biggest restoration mission yet, and this time, it’s in the stunning turquoise waters of Thailand. Recently launched, this dual-island project will see Koh Mak and Koh Kood get the VIP coral treatment, with thousands of baby corals already flexing their tiny polyps, ready to rebuild what has been lost.

But let’s talk about the real heroes here: an all-star team of eight trained Thai gardeners who will be getting their hands (and fins) dirty to restore reefs that have been through some serious battles – think dynamite and chemical fishing (yikes).

But with those destructive days firmly in the past, Coral Gardeners are rolling up their wetsuits to give these reefs the second chance they deserve (big yay).

So, what’s the plan? We’re sooo glad you asked. A network of nursery and restoration sites have been created, where these oceanic underdogs will grow, thrive, and hopefully throw the most spectacular underwater comeback party the Gulf of Thailand has ever seen (we want an invite asap).

Climate change may be the ocean’s toughest opponent, but if anyone can fight back with hope, science, and a splash of pure passion – it’s these coral crusaders. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of being part of a real-life ocean rescue mission, now’s your chance to support this fantastic organisation as they turn the tides in Thailand.

Stay at the Hotel of Ice

Alert the polar bears and grey wolves, the Hotel of Ice in the Transylvania region of Romania is back for the 2025 season, and this year, it’s hitting all the right notes with a musical theme.

Each of the 12 igloo rooms is dedicated to a legendary composer or conductor, from Beethoven to Mozart, with ice sculptures and bas-reliefs that bring their musical genius to life. It’s like spending the night inside a symphony but, like, with more frost and fewer sheet music.

Getting there is one of the coolest (literally) things about it; it’s just a casual cable car ride over 2,000 metres up in the Făgăraș Mountains. It’s not for the faint of heart (or for those who are even remotely scared of heights), but if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a true adventurer – this is your ticket. No shuttle buses here, just an icy journey to your cool destination.

And once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by all the icy wonders of the hotel, with features that include a cosy restaurant and a bar, both carved entirely from ice. You’ll dine on reimagined ancient Transylvanian dishes served on ice plates and sip cocktails at the Sub-Zero Ice Bar.

Staying here might seem a little crazy – especially for those of us who hate the cold – but when are you ever going to get the chance to sleep in a room dedicated to your favourite composer, eat food on ice, and drink at a bar where the glasses freeze your hand (wear gloves)?

It’s truly an experience like no other, blending art, music, and the chill of Transylvania’s finest icy peaks together to make all of your frosty dreams come true.

Stay at the hotels used for season 3 of The White Lotus

If you thought the drama of The White Lotus couldn’t get any juicier, wait until you hear where they’re filming Season 3. Well, you don’t have to wait because we’re about to tell you.

The lush, tropical landscapes of Thailand have become the perfect backdrop for the show’s signature plot twists, scandalous characters, and social satire. Three jaw-dropping Anantara resorts have officially been confirmed as key filming locations, and trust us, you’ll want to pack your bags (or at least your TV remote) to see it all unfold.

First up, we have Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, a beachfront paradise where the show will feature iconic spots like the Thai-style lobby and the resort’s jewellery store. With its lotus ponds and spa garden, this place oozes charm, and we’re guessing it’ll serve up plenty of drama too. Whether you’re lounging by the tree-lined entrance or sneaking around the employee parking lot, Anantara Bophut is the ultimate tropical playground for all things scandalous.

Next, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort brings The White Lotus to new heights (literally). The show’s key bar scene takes place in the resort’s Singing Bird Lounge, a stunning treehouse-style bar perched above the island. As you sip handcrafted cocktails with panoramic ocean views, you can almost hear the whispers of the island’s famous bird-singing contests, perfect for the show’s plot of chaotic beauty and wild melodrama.

Finally, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is where the true luxury and intrigue happen. With its Wellness Sanctuary, spa, and even Belinda’s room (get ready for some intense personal drama), this hidden gem on Phuket’s coastline provides the ultimate backdrop for privacy, sophistication, and plenty of messy moments.

If you’re ready to live out your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy, you can book the Lotus Awakening Escape Package, which includes experiences across all three resorts. Pack your bags (or at least your imaginary drama) and get ready for some serious fun in the Thai sun. Maybe with a side of chaos.

Try the food from your fav Netflix shows

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino has done all of us a solid by opening the very first NETFLIX BITES restaurant in Las Vegas (it’s exactly what you think it is). Yes, the streaming giant is serving up a binge-worthy dining experience, where your favourite shows leap off the screen and onto your plate.

From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by masked guards straight out of Squid Game, setting the stage for a meal that’s as thrilling as a good season finale (no, Game of Thrones, not yours).

And the menu is nothing short of a plot twist.

Start with the ‘To All the Tomato Soups I Loved Before,’ a classic tomato soup with a heartbroken crouton for dipping, just like the kind of emotional depth you’d expect from a rom-com. Or if you’re feeling competitive, try the ‘Red Bite, Green Bite,’ where you spin a wheel to decide your fate and dive into fried chicken with dipping sauces inspired by Squid Game’s iconic suspense.

For something more sophisticated, the ‘Bridgerton Regency Tea’ is our pick and offers a three-tiered tea service with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries that represent different families from the show, making you feel like royalty while you nibble. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a side of Simon Basset.

And for dessert, ‘The Dessert Is Lava,’ features a chocolate mountain that erupts with molten lava, bringing all the drama of The Floor Is Lava to your tastebuds. Wash it down with a ‘Dalgona Rum Buzz,’ a creamy rum and coffee cocktail with a dalgona candy garnish straight out of Squid Game (okay we’ll stop mentioning it). And if you’re looking for a cocktail with a little mystery, the ‘Love Is Blind,’ drink comes in a customisable gold chalice you can even take home as a souvenir.

So, whether you’re a Stranger Things aficionado or a Money Heist mastermind, NETFLIX BITES is your ticket to a dining experience as entertaining as it is delicious.

Party it up on a real life submarine

Fancy throwing a party where the guest list includes 120 of your closest friends and a few curious fish (and maybe a whale or two)? This is where U-Boat Worx’s UWEP comes in; the underwater entertainment platform that’s here to make your wildest aquatic party dreams come true.

This 115 foot marvel offers a whopping 1,600 square feet of customisable space, perfect for whatever celebration you’ve got coming up. It also boasts Michelin-starred underwater dining. A casino where the stakes are as deep as the ocean. A wedding venue that guarantees no on will object, mainly because everyone’ll be too busy gawking at the marine life, but that’s besides the point.

And just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be more, of course there is. The UWEP isn’t just about looking good; it’s got the stamina to match thanks to its 1,200kWh battery system. Which means the party can last for up to 18 hours at depths of 150 metres (mind = blown).

But you don’t have to spend all of your time under the water’s surface, as this submarine/coolest-thing-we’ve-ever-seen comes with an 85-square-metre sundeck (complete with safety railings), so you can catch the golden rays of sunset before diving back into the deep blue.

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