region: North America

Dine in VR style at Icca

Nestled somewhere between fine dining and full-blown virtual hallucination, EPIC.NOW has launched a VR-powered culinary adventure in NYC that promises to blow your mind (and possibly your taste buds) straight into another dimension.

So, here’s what happens: you slap on a sleek VR headset, settle into a nine-seat, ultra-intimate dinner setting, and let Michelin-starred wizardry do its thing. Meanwhile, your eyeballs are being dazzled by immersive, otherworldly landscapes that change with each course.

Imagine eating sea urchins while floating through a coral reef or nibbling wagyu beef atop a digital Mount Fuji. It’s like dinner and a movie, except the movie is melting your perception of reality.

This mind-boggling concept came to life when a group of tech-obsessed food lovers asked, “Why should Silicon Valley have all the fun?” so they teamed up with a top-tier chef and some VR geniuses to create this surreal supper club. And voilà – EPIC.NOW was born, screaming, “The future is now!” through a mouthful of truffle foam.

We get it, it’s a strange concept. But your mouth deserves more than just flavour at dinnertime, it deserves a storyline. Every bite of this experience is backed by sound, scent and visual theatre, transforming your meal into a multi-sensory fever dream.

And hey, at least your mind has something to preoccupy itself with while you wait for your food and pretend you’re not eyeing off the kitchen doors in search of your order.

Enjoy a night at Trailborn Grand Canyon

Gone are the days when dusty motels and outdated lodges ruled the American highway system. Trailborn Grand Canyon has officially landed in Williams, Arizona, and it’s bringing a whole lot of swagger to the gateway of one of the world’s most beloved national parks. Think Route 66 retro vibes, modern comforts, and just the right amount of Wild West weirdness to make your stay unforgettable.

Williams, a town known for its vintage diners, neon signs, and trainloads of tourists chugging their way to the Grand Canyon, just got a serious upgrade. Trailborn has taken an old motor lodge and given it a full glow-up; 96 freshly redesigned rooms with velvet headboards (fancy), leather-stitched lamps (rustic-chic), and Bluetooth radios because what’s a road trip without the perfect playlist?

And let’s talk about Miss Kitty’s. Every road trip deserves a good steakhouse with a name that sounds straight out of a cowboy soap opera, and Trailborn has a doozy. This soon-to-open eatery will serve up southwestern grill favourites with a side of nostalgia and handcrafted cocktails (proper hydration is key in the desert).

Of course, Trailborn is also all about the adventure. Whether you’re here for the epic hikes, stargazing, helicopter rides, or just trying to survive a round of Wild West Bingo at Camp Hall, they’ve got you covered. And if you needed one more reason to book, a portion of your stay helps preserve the Grand Canyon so technically, this is a philanthropic holiday. Do you reckon we could claim it on tax?

Hop aboard the newly rebranded Canyon Spirit

All aboard, train lovers, scenery junkies, and anyone who enjoys sipping wine while gliding through jaw-dropping landscapes without a care in the world. Say hello to Canyon Spirit, the fresh new identity of what was formerly Rocky Mountaineer’s U.S. operation. Same posh seats, same world-class service, just with a snazzier name and a longer itinerary. And boy, have they delivered.

Starting in 2026, Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route is getting a glow-up, extending all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah. That’s right: three days of red rocks, river canyons, and rugged beauty, punctuated by overnight stops in Glenwood Springs (hello, hot springs) and Moab (adventure capital of the Southwest).

Unless your usual commute includes a team of ultra-attentive hosts, riveting historic storytelling of Wild West lore and outlaw antics, and a menu packed with locally sourced delights paired with top-notch regional wines, this isn’t your typical train ride. From the Colorado River’s winding embrace to the vast Great Basin’s epic sprawl, this route is serving up nature’s greatest hits on a silver platter.

For just US$2,123 (plus tax), you can experience the Canyon Spirit magic, complete with overnight stays and enough scenic splendour to max out your camera roll (and make everyone super jealous back home). Book your seat now, because come April 21, 2026, the train is leaving the station – with or without you (but preferably with).

AutoCamp’s newest creation is here

Gather ‘round, glampers! AutoCamp has done it again and this time, it’s planted its ultra-chic flag just 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park in the adorably named town of Three Rivers. You’re about to be neighbours with literal giants (hello, General Sherman, the world’s largest tree) while still getting your beauty sleep on high-thread-count sheets.

With 85 accommodations ranging from Classic Airstreams to Vista Suites with the best views, Explorer Suites with bonus amenities, and even Bunk Rooms for your whole adventure squad, there’s a plush nest for every type of outdoor-ish traveller. And if you’re not into trailers, no worries. They’ve got cabins, luxe tents, and even a heated pool for when you need a break from “roughing it”.

There’s even a Clubhouse where mid-century modern meets marshmallow roasting, featuring lounge areas, fire pits, and a bar. There’s also The Kitchen, slinging hot meals daily from 7 AM to 10 PM (because no one should have to ration granola bars), plus a General Store packed with s’mores kits, trail snacks, and local booze.

For the active crowd, expect hiking, spelunking, fly fishing, and kayaking, plus complimentary bikes to zoom around like you own the place. Oh, and if you’re thinking of hosting a wedding, retreat, or cult meeting (just kidding… mostly), their event spaces are downright dreamy.

Bottom line? AutoCamp Sequoia is the cool kid’s basecamp for exploring nature without surrendering your dignity (or your WiFi connection). See you in the trees.

Relax on a Hot Tub Boat

Fancy lounging in a bubbling cauldron of blissful warmth, cruising the serene waters of Seattle’s Lake Union with the iconic skyline playing peekaboo in the distance? Well, don’t we have the buoyant boat for you.

These floating jacuzzis are the brainchild of Hot Tub Boats, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Each vessel is equipped with joystick navigation, making it super easy to steer – no captain’s licence needed. And let’s not forget the onboard Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to curate the perfect soundtrack to your aquatic escapade.

Worried about the weather? Fear not! Rain or shine, summer or winter, these hot tub boats maintain a toasty 104 degrees, ensuring your comfort as you drift past Seattle’s floating homes and bustling houseboats. It’s like soaking in your bathtub, except your bathroom is now a panoramic cityscape, and your rubber ducky has been upgraded to a majestic seaplane taking off nearby.

And if you’re feeling peckich, each boat comes with a cooler stocked with canned water. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. Just remember, while the lake is your oyster, glass containers are a no-go because, the environment and all that.

So, gather your crew (up to six of your closest friends) and embark on a two-hour tour that will make every single one of your Insta ‘friends’ jealous. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need an excuse to wear that expensive swimsuit you bought in public, Hot Tub Boats provides an unforgettable experience that combines the best of spa luxury with the freedom of the open water.

SnowsBest Women’s Heli Skiing Week

Ladies, it’s time to swap the mundane for the mountainous and elevate your ski game, literally. SnowsBest has teamed up with Travelplan Ski Holidays to present the Women’s Heli Skiing Week (AKA your new fave week ever), scheduled for March 31 to April 5, 2026.

But this isn’t your average ski trip, it’s more of a high-flying, powder-chasing adventure designed exclusively for 29 women who are ready to conquer Canada’s backcountry and indulge in some serious après-ski camaraderie (sign us the hell up).

You’ll be whisked away by a helicopter to untouched slopes of the Monashees Mountains where the only tracks will be the ones you and your fellow shredders carve. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hound or a confident intermediate skier looking to up your game, this trip is tailored to suit your skills and thirst for adventure.

It’s not just about the skiing though. This week is a celebration of female empowerment in the great outdoors. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded women (including SnowsBest.com founder Rachael Oakes-Ash) who share your passion for the mountains, creating an environment that’s as supportive as it is exhilarating. And let’s not forget the après-ski sessions where stories of the day’s triumphs (and tumbles) are shared over a well-deserved glass of wine.

Safety is paramount, and you’ll be guided by experienced professionals who know the terrain like the back of their hand. They’ll ensure you’re not only having the time of your life but doing so with the utmost regard for safety and environmental stewardship.

So, if you’re ready to take your skiing to new heights and forge unforgettable memories with a tribe of adventurous women, the Women’s Heli Skiing Week is calling your name. Dust off your gear, practice your powder turns, and prepare for a week that’s bound to be super empowering.

Have a drink at Charm’d Irish Pop-up Bar

Charm’d Irish Bar in Chicago isn’t just your average pop-up watering hole; you better leave your expectations at the Elphaba-fied door because this patriotic bar is an experience.

Step inside and it’s like someone took every inch of Irish pub kitsch, cranked it up to eleven, and slapped it on the walls. Either that or the guys behind Charm’d found a leprechaun, gave it too many sweet treats, took it for a spin on the Maxx Force coaster and let it throw up its guts all over the place in the name of ‘décor’.

You’ll find neon shamrocks, garish green everything, and enough Guinness memorabilia to make you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a leprechaun’s bachelor pad (you probably have). Think of it as a visual assault of whimsy and chaos, where no square inch is left unadorned with something zany.

But let’s talk drinks. Charm’d knows what it’s doing behind the bar. The beer selection is stout-heavy (duh), with plenty of local craft options thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re sinking a pint of Guinness or sipping a cheeky Irish whiskey, you’ll be toasting to the fact that this bar is unapologetically Irish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, order one of their over-the-top cocktails like the “Pot O’ Gold,” a sugary concoction that’ll leave you questioning your life choices in the best way possible. And the jello shots? Well, let’s just say they come in a rainbow of colours, likely made to match the colour wheel of Ireland itself.

But let’s be real: it’s not just about the drinks. It’s about the vibe. The music’s loud, the energy’s wild and the people are as rowdy as a stag party in Dublin. So, grab a drink, let the madness sweep you away, and try not to spill it on your shamrock-covered shirt.

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.

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.