Night sky lessons from a leading astronomer, and a floating spa on Vancouver Island
A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday.
Enter Email
Sign Up
Havn Saunas, located in a renovated World War II barge (pictured here), offers an unplugged, pampering experience in the heart of Victoria, B.C., with cedar saunas, cold plunges, Jacuzzis, a salt scrub room, and a cozy relaxation room.
(Kari Bodnarchuk)
Advertisement
THERE
Visit this floating spa on Vancouver Island
Step off a wharf in downtown Victoria, B.C., and onto a historic barge that's been transformed into a Scandinavian-inspired floating wellness sanctuary. Havn Saunas, located in a renovated World War II barge, offers an unplugged (no phones allowed) pampering experience in the heart of the city with cedar saunas, cold plunges, Jacuzzis, a salt scrub room, and a cozy relaxation room. The two-story ship, built in Tacoma in 1943, was renovated in part using old-growth cedar collected along beaches on Vancouver Island. Relax in the rooftop mineral pools and watch water taxis as they crisscross the harbor, small float planes resting at a nearby dock, and views of the city's grandiose Parliament Buildings and Fairmont Empress Hotel. Then order a rejuvenating elixir and healthy snack at the first-floor café and recline on oversize loungers. Anyone 19 and older can enjoy Havn's hot-and-cold therapy experience. One of the many highlights: The salt scrub room, where you can scoop fine-grained salt from a barrel and use it for an exfoliating body scrub. Guests book a two- or three-hour time slot, which helps prevent the facility from getting overcrowded. Rates: approximately $67 for a three-hour entry during the day and $60 for a two-hour pass at night (times vary). Open year-round.
,
Advertisement
Sonos has released its first-ever headphones, the Sonos Ace (pictured here).
Sonos
EVERYWHERE
Enjoy superb sound with these headphones
Whether traveling by train, plane, or automobile, consider the Sonos Ace headphones, which deliver outstanding high-fidelity sound and one of the best experiences I've had with Active Noise Cancellation technology. The over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones — Sonos' first foray into the headphone market — incorporate spatial audio with head tracking, meaning super realistic three-dimensional sound (you'll feel like you're in the middle of a theater) and top-notch ANC features that tamps down the sound of engines and unwanted ambient noise; set it for Aware mode if you need to maintain awareness of your surroundings. Music sounds well-balanced and crisp with robust bass that's not overly punchy. The headphones have a smooth and easy-to-use switch that lets you adjust volume, pause sound, skip forward or backward for songs, and answer, decline, or end calls. They also have built-in sensors that pause playback when you take them off and resume when you put the headphones back on. The Sonos Ace hug your head and offer enough spaciousness on the ear cups so they're comfortable on long-haul flights (those ear cups are magnetically attached and can easily be replaced if needed — a handy feature). The headphones weigh about 11 ounces, have swivel ear cups so you can easily pack them for travel (in the included hard case or in your bag), and come with a USB-C-to-3.5mm cable that lets you plug the Ace into the headphone port on your smartphone or computer for a wired option. Their internal battery lasts up to 30 hours so you can enjoy them while crossing the globe. $449.
Advertisement
KARI BODNARCHUK
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Restored Westman hotel in Oregon set for late 2025 opening
The Westman, a boutique hotel in Oregon, US, is set to open its doors later this year following a restoration. Situated in Bend, the hotel will offer 23 uniquely designed guest rooms and community-focused common areas, housed within the city's former United States Post Office. The hotel has now started accepting reservations ahead of its opening. The project is a collaboration between Oregon-based Embarcadero Hospitality Group, R&H Construction, Emerick Architects, LRS, and local artists and makers. The development team has prioritised sustainability and historic preservation, retaining much of the original structure, encompassing over 175,000 bricks, 1,000 tonnes of concrete, 1,900ft² of terrazzo flooring, and 44 original windows, to minimise the environmental impact. The Westman will feature a lobby bar and parlour featuring a brass Art Deco-inspired fireplace, in-room mini bars with locally sourced items and an outdoor heated soaking pool. Several rooms offer 16ft ceilings, private outdoor patios with fire pits, and 700ft² mezzanine suites. Embarcadero Hospitality Group CEO Sondra Storm said: "The Westman is driven by the same bold spirit as our namesake – we're unafraid to do things differently and committed to excellence. Our team delivers standout service and works closely with local partners to create immersive, experience-rich stays that reflect the vibrancy of Bend and the region. "At The Westman, we deliver a high-touch, deeply personal level of service. Our strong local partnerships allow us to create experience-driven stays that feel both elevated and truly connected to Bend." The property is named after Minnie Westman, a mail carrier west of the Mississippi River, known as someone who "carries the mail night and day and fears nothing". "Restored Westman hotel in Oregon set for late 2025 opening" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
Where do French presidents unwind? This stunning medieval fortress.
Picture the French Riviera and F. Scott Fitzgerald-level hedonism may spring to mind: Bronzed revelers quaffing Champagne on the beach, stars strutting the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, super yachts cruising the Mediterranean offshore. But few international visitors frequent the idyllic stretch of coast to the west of Saint-Tropez. Backed by hillside nature reserves blanketed in cork oak forest, this dreamy shoreline also happens to be home to the French president's official holiday retreat. What was once an impregnable fortress prized by marauding pirates is now the high-security Fort de Brégançon. When Emmanuel Macron is not in residence, it's open to small guided visits through the local tourism office. Not only is it a chance to see how the president unwinds, but it's also a showcase of French design and decorative arts, with pieces chosen specifically by the president from the vast furniture repository of the Mobilier National. Touring the fort Silhouetted against the sky, with 115-foot cliffs plunging into the sea, the Fort de Brégançon lords over the coast from the end of a peninsula. No wonder this strategic anchorage has been fought over since antiquity; a smitten Napoleon even kitted it out with cannons. Established as the French president's holiday home in 1968 under Charles de Gaulle, it serves a dual function as a comfortable hideaway for relaxation, and also as the setting for diplomatic meetings. Since 2014, the Fort de Brégançon has been open to the public for three-hour guided tours. From the gate, you'll walk across a spit of land, sandwiched between a beach and a forest owned by the Luxembourg ducal family, before passing through security. (The zone is also secured at sea; yellow buoys designate a strict maritime perimeter to keep the paparazzi—and nosy swimmers—at bay.) Emmanuel Macron opted for contemporary pieces to complement the existing ensemble that includes designer Pierre Paulin's iconic tricolor banquette, resembling the French flag, that greets you in the vestibule. The oldest space is the medieval-era Chapel Room; its wood-paneled walls carved with ornamental scallop shells is a nod to the nearby Way of St James pilgrimage route. The office is a portal into the presidential modus operandi: A sleek cherry desk, a stereo and Kennedy-inspired red telephone, a miniature bronze rooster that's a copy of the one on the Notre Dame spire, and bookshelves where you can sneak a peek at what the president is reading. From cobblestone streets to islands, the French Riviera has been an appealing destination for generations. Photograph by Colin Michael Baker / Alamy Stock Photo (Top) (Left) and Photograph by Tim Rumbaum / Alamy Stock Photo (Bottom) (Right) What to see and do in the area Château Malherbe: Overlooking Fort de Brégançon and occupying what was once its farm, this family-owned wine domain is situated at the end of the well-named Route du Bout du Monde ('Route at the End of the World'). It's a place of stunning natural beauty, flanked by a rare primary forest that is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network. There are Roman ruins on the property, where vines have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The Ferrari family see themselves as caretakers of the land and its terroir, which produces exceptional Rolle and Sémillon whites, roses, and the Madame Ferrari red—a blend of grapes from the oldest parcels (some vines are 80 years old). All are harvested by hand, and managed biodynamically. (These under-the-radar French Riviera towns offer quiet charm) 'We've never used chemical pesticides,' says Adélie Ferrari, who works alongside her father as the fifth-generation of the family overseeing Château Malherbe. 'We were organic before it was called organic.' Bormes-les-Mimosas: Classified a 'most beautiful village of France," this medieval hamlet is perched high in the hills with the sea shimmering in the distance. The tangle of cobbled lanes are flanked by sherbet-colored houses. Above it all, the crumbling ruins of a castle stands sentry over palms and cacti. Browse the galleries and boutiques (La Maison du Bonheur sells hand-crafted fragrances and candles made with local mimosa) and then settle into a long, leisurely lunch. If you're traveling in February, note that the village pulls out all the stops for the annual Corso fleuri (Flower Parade). Route des Crêtes travels through Massif des Maures, a small mountain range. Photograph by Renan Gicquel/ Getty Images Route des Crêtes: Arguably one of the world's prettiest roads, this mimosa-magic route winds through the densely forested Massif des Maures, with overlooks offering pinch-me panoramas of the Mediterranean far below. It's the best of terre and mer, with the gnarled cork oak trees evoking the wilderness just a seagull's swoop from the coast. The route is a favorite of competitive cyclists, and hikers enjoy the numerous trails threading the hills. Start in Bormes-les-Mimosas for a 45-minute journey to Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Access is limited in summer due to the risk of forest fires. (How to explore Paris from the seat of a bicycle) Villa Noailles: Queen Victoria was an early trendsetter in the 1890s, with a stay in Hyères that helped launch it as one of the original Riviera resorts. It was here where another pioneering pair, the influential 20th-century art patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles, would build a dream home on a plot of land received as a wedding gift. Designed in 1923 by Robert Mallet-Stevens, the villa was one of France's first modernist buildings, its experimental spaces ornamented by avant-garde icons. These days, Villa Noailles is an arts center that hosts exhibitions, workshops for kids, and two major annual cultural festivals: the Design Parade Hyères and the International Festival of Fashion, Photography, and Accessories. Îles d'Hyères: Also known as the Îles d'Or, these 'golden islands' include Île du Levant (reserved for the military, except for the naturist colony at Heliopolis), Port-Cros (part of a national park), and Porquerolles (white sandy beaches, trails, and the Villa Carmignac contemporary art center). Domaine de Rayol: Owned by the Conservatoire du littoral (Coastal Protection Agency), this botanical garden was designed by revered landscape designer Gilles Clement. The property is a protected paradise—extending to the beach and into the sea where you can even snorkel through the marine garden on a guided tour. There are surprises in every season, but spring is particularly magical, when the flowers are ablaze in color. The Eden Rose is located in Bormes-les-Mimosas, classified as a "most beautiful village of France." Photograph by GAUTIER Stephane / Alamy Stock Photo Where to stay More than a place to sleep, the 37-room boutique Lilou Hotel is a Hyères hot spot. The restaurant—awarded 'best wine menu 2025'—is a lively scene with music and DJ sets on the weekends. In the corridors, Roman-style mosaics spell out author Robert Louis Stevenson's words: 'I was only happy once: that was at Hyères.' What was once a salt production site has been transformed by a local family into the five-star Le Hameau des Pesquiers eco-lodge after a meticulous restoration of the historical buildings. The stately 43-room Eden Rose Grand Hotel was reborn as the Eden Rose in 2021 after a big renovation. The spa offers customized retreats and detox escapes in the winter months. Where to eat Jérôme and Patricia Masson welcome diners like house guests for a sea-centric, fixed-price dinner menu at La Rastègue in Bormes-les-Mimosas. With white parasols set in the sand, Tropicana Club has been a beach destination in Canadel since 1965. Stake your claim to a sun lounger for the day (you can also do half-day rentals), or reserve for dinner. Toast the sunset with a chilled glass of local rose, then tuck into grilled fish pulled from the sea by local fishermen just hours before. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better vantage point to admire the views while immersing yourself in the Provençal good life then at Le Relais du Vieux Sauvaire. The restaurant sources ingredients from local producers and the property's own vegetable garden. Not far from the Fort de Brégançon, the Parc d'Estagnol is a protected, family-owned estate with a crescent beach edged by pine forest. Regional specialties—including bouillabaisse, lobster, and Provençal anchoïade—are cooked in a wood-fired oven at Restaurant L'Estagnol. A single five-course tasting menu—a celebration of local terroir—is served on a leafy terrace at La Farigoulette in Le Lavandou. Chef Cyril Marécaux and his partner Kristina Hucke have created a warm, friendly destination that's open year-round. Gil Renard established La Tonnelle in 1998 and it's been a locally loved favorite in the heart of the medieval village since. He works directly with market gardeners and fishermen, exalting Mediterranean cuisine which he accents with exotic spices from his travels. There's a panoramic terrace, and a toy shop inside. (How Black culture has shaped Paris—and where to experience it) When to go Summer is high season in the south of France, and the fort is closed to the public during the presidential séjour. With fewer crowds but ample sunshine, September is sublime. However many locals will tell you that winter, empty of tourists, is especially appealing: Temperatures are mild and the mimosa trees burst into bloom. How to do it The price is 12 euros, booked 72 hours in advance, for a maximum group size of 20, and you must bring a passport or government-issued photo ID. A Franco-American writer based in Paris, Mary Winston Nicklin is a regular contributor to National Geographic. Most recently, she wrote the Louis Braille biography in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic History. (website:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Seeking a Nashville hotel? Why these five are among 'World's Best' according to Travel + Leisure
When it comes to finding accommodations in Nashville, the options are abundant. Music City's ever-growing hospitality scene supports a steady rise in tourism and with 41,220 hotel rooms in Davidson County alone and nearly 60,000 across the greater metropolitan area, finding a place to stay is easy. There are, however, some hotels that tower above the rest. Travel + Leisure recently recognized five Nashville hotels as part of its "World's Best Awards," which highlights readers favorite destinations and experiences across the globe. This year, readers praised Music City hotels not only for their prime downtown locations but also for offering immersive on-site experiences, including rooftop pools and skyline-view bars. Here's which hotels made the cut. The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, stood out to Travel + Leisure readers as Nashville's crown jewel this year. Nestled just south of Broadway, it offers a refined downtown escape complete with a private rooftop pool, exclusive cabanas, a world-class spa, and skyline views. Guests are also treated to immersive 'rare art experiences' woven throughout the hotel. "It's rooms and suites are decked out in rich copper, oak, and marble accents meant to make you feel relaxed from the moment you check in," wrote Travel + Leisure. "Of course, the star here is the hotel's rooftop pool and bar that include panoramic city views, along with private cabanas where you can lounge the day away." This year's runner-up was The Thompson, a boutique hotel set in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. Conveniently located near Nashville's vibrant music and cultural scene, the hotel "melds classic country soul with urban sophistication." From its guest rooms and suites to its restaurants and event spaces, The Thompson exudes style, featuring sliding barn doors and mid-century-inspired furnishings. Guests can sip cocktails and enjoy small bites at the rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson, or indulge in Gulf Coast cuisine and a curated wine list at the on-site restaurant, Marsh House. Rounding out the top three in Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best Awards' is the Grand Hyatt Nashville. This upscale hotel features a rooftop pool and private cabanas, a full-service spa offering rejuvenating treatments for mind, body, and spirit, and a range of dining options that cater to every palate. Landing at No. 4 is 1 Hotel Nashville, where sustainability meets luxury at every turn. From the 56,000 thriving plants covering its ivy-clad façade to in-room water filtration systems and locally sourced, organic cuisine served across its three restaurants and bars, the hotel seamlessly blends eco-conscious design with elevated hospitality. And finally coming in at No 5. is Omni Nashville, a centrally located property making it easy for guests to explore iconic attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Bridgestone Arena. On-site, guests can enjoy Southern-inspired all-day dining at Kitchen Notes, savor premium steaks and fine wines at Bob's Steak & Chop House, or browse local goods at Five and TENN. For relaxation, the Mokara Spa offers massages and body treatments, while the heated rooftop pool provides a serene escape with city views. Each year, Travel + Leisure conducts its World's Best Awards survey, inviting readers to rate their travel experiences across the globe. Participants share their opinions on top destinations, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, and more. In 2025, nearly 180,000 readers took part, casting over 657,000 votes across more than 8,700 properties and destinations. Cities were evaluated based on the following criteria: Sights and landmarks Culture Food Friendliness Shopping Value Respondents rated each category as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Final scores reflect the average of the ratings. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why these Nashville hotels are among Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
