Italy’s Amalfi Coast is indisputably one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And, while the time-tested holiday travel destinations of Amalfi and Positano have a lot to offer, there’s a diamond-in-the-rough just around the bend that serves up a slightly different experience: Traveling Meta
Meta is a commune tucked into the coast opposite Positano on the Campania region’s resident peninsula, a short train ride away from the cities of Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Meta historically caters to travelers, though you’d never think it while walking its peaceful, narrow streets. Here are five reasons to stray from the Amalfi Coast and travel Meta on your next vacation:
Traveling Italy
Privacy
Positano and Amalfi are beautiful cities, and you’ll be made painfully aware of that by the swaths of selfie sticks and sun hats clambering out of the tour buses. Meta has its own major train stop, but it manages to provide sanctuary from the crowds, aside from the occasional Fiat 500 zipping through town.
5 Reasons Why Traveling Meta, Italy Should Be Next on Your Travel List
Location
Surrounded by Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento, Meta is a perfect location for those looking for a more comprehensive Italian travel experience. Rome is also a short train ride away, and the Amalfi Coast can be reached by bus from Sorrento, which can be easily accessed on foot if you’re dead set on paying it a visit. You must experience the drive, it was spectacular there are many cars services, how to get there by car for this trip we used Holiday Autos to travel.
Cost
Because Meta is off the beaten track, you can wine, dine and rest your laurels for significantly less than in the surrounding cities. Hotel prices in Meta are significantly cheaper than Amalfi, and many rooms go for less than half the price than comparable accommodation in Positano.
Beauty
The same geographic features that make the Amalfi Coast a wondrous destination exist in Meta. Sandwiched between rocky cliffs and the sea, you won’t be short on breathtaking sunsets or stunning vistas in this beautiful Italian hideaway.
Traveling to Met Italy
Authenticity
Although Travel Meta is centered around tourism, it doesn’t sacrifice any of its coastal Italian, charm. With orange trees lining the streets, uncrowded beaches and an uncompromising restaurant scene, Meta feels as real as it looks.
Toss an electric guitar in the back of a ‘55 Corvette, strap some surfboards on top and you’ve got a recipe for the newest addition to an established cultural mainstay: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. While this new development in one of America’s most iconic beach destinations lives up to its namesake with a labyrinth of rock, pop, hip-hop and country music memorabilia, it doesn’t coast along on nostalgia alone. This 200-room hotel has its finger on the pulse of modern luxury, and it will remind you of this at every turn.
Developer Summit Hospitality, in partnership with the Florida-local Hard Rock International brand, appropriately kicked off the opening of this newly renovated hotel last week with musical performances by up-and-coming country music stars Lanco and the husband-and-wife duo Juno Smile. These performances may have been the first, but they certainly won’t be the last events at this hotel, as Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach will be putting on concerts and events on a monthly basis. “Otherwise, it would be boring,” joked Summit co-owner Junior Abdulhussein.
Now expanded from its roots as a single, quaint cafe in London, its latest Daytona Beach installation represents the Hard Rock brand’s 24th hotel, with many more on the way. Indicating a transition from boutique to chain, this increasing number of properties could potentially hint at a depersonalization of the brand, but according to their Director of International Marketing, Vince Koehle, that’s not the case. “We take inspiration from the community,” he explains, going on to emphasize how important each destination is to every aspect of the properties and their accompanying experiences.
Take, for instance, Daytona Beach, which hearkens back to thoughts and images of muscle cars, surfers, striking beach views and the classic American vacation. From the surfboard table in their lobby cafe to the winding hallway featuring rare photos of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones goofing around beachside and vintage automobile design details, the local inspiration is clear-cut.
While the concept of a luxury beach hotel isn’t exactly groundbreaking, what is surprising is the elevated attention to detail in this new property. Every room, every hallway reveals a new kitschy piece of interesting memorabilia, a new coastal-inspired piece of decor or a throwback to Daytona Beach’s sand racing heyday that you haven’t yet stumbled upon.
Another surprising slice of the experience offered at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is the brand’s sheer dedication to its theme. Infusing music with the destination experience is what this brand is built upon, and they do it just as well as you’d imagine – often better. The Sound of Your Stay® program is aimed at providing guests with an experience that’s just as musical as it is tailored to the individual. This program consists of three different services: PICKS, WAX and TRACKS. PICKS is offered through Hard Rock Hotels’ partnership with Fender Guitars, one of America’s most prominent guitar manufacturers, and provides each and every room with its own guitar, amplifier and studio-quality headphones for the guests to play at their leisure; WAX provides guests with Crosley record players and a curated selection of vinyl; and TRACKS offers hotel goers a hand-selected, downloadable playlist designed to enhance and complement their visit.
The treatments in the hotel’s Rock Spa are music-centric, the bedding is clad in musical instruments, there are underwater speakers in the beachside pool and the lobby is all but lined in Flying V guitars played by legendary rock stars – Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is a music lover’s paradise. Memorabilia nerds will appreciate the small, knowing touches and far-out pieces of history, and those who aren’t as into music history can find solace in the more luxurious amenities like the Kohler shower fixtures, ring-lit mirrors and beach-view terraces.
While there’s plenty to look at this new addition to the Daytona Beach coastline, there’s also plenty to do. Sink your teeth into high-class local fare at their occupying restaurant, Sessions, which features a menu crafted around Florida-caught seafood, pasta, highbrow dessert options and inventive signature cocktails to keep the good times rolling, or grab a cup of Joe and a quick and healthy snack at the Constant Grind cafe. After you’ve refueled, hit the sand and enjoy this classic American beach to the fullest with nearby bike rentals, surf lessons, or simply snag one of the beachside lounge chairs and work on your tan.
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach has a lot to offer, but it isn’t all in the location and their vast swathes of music memorabilia – the staff of this hotel make the experience complete. Summit Hospitality’s co-owner Junior Abdulhussein notes that he “doesn’t like calling them staff. They are family.” The sentiment shows, and whether you’re requesting room service, dropping your kids off at the Roxity Youth Club or ordering some poolside cocktails, there’s a fighting chance that you may make a new friend, and at the very least you’ll experience a taste of Hard Rock International’s particular brand of genuine hospitality.
Hard Rock International has a presence in over 75 countries, and they have at least a dozen new properties in the works, according to their management team, with locations in Atlantic City, Singapore, London and Hollywood currently underway. With this spike in growth, will the brand be able to continue to successfully meld music with the cultures and influences of their hotel destinations without coming off as gimmicky or rubber-stamped? Only time will tell; but, in the meantime, we can throw on our shades, lay back and listen to the sounds of Hendrix and Bob Dylan softly accompanying the gulls and waves breaking on the shore.
Learn more on the hotel’s website, and stay up-to-date with travel tips and news by checking out our travel section.
The #MeToo social media movement is in full swing and providing many women and men who have experienced sexual harassment with a platform to raise their concerns. However, in the midst of this movement, there are still many afraid to come forward out of fear of losing their job, fear of derailing their career or fear of losing their resident visa status. We sat down with Attorney Bryan Arce, of New York City’s Phillips & Associates for insight into how this silent majority can find a voice.
Bryan Arce Attorney
DM – First things first, what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace?
Bryan Arce – there are many different actions or comments that can constitute sexual harassment. But at its most basic, sexual harassment consists of unwanted comments or conduct, of a sexual nature, that occur in the context of one’s employment. These sexual comments or conduct are offensive enough to create a “hostile work environment”. Generally, being asked out once or being told that you are attractive is not sexual harassment. However, it can become sexual harassment if the comments continue over time, especially if they continue after you tell the person making the comments that the comments make you uncomfortable or are unwanted.
DM – After being a victim of sexual harassment, what’s the first step?
Bryan Arce – The first step would be to speak with an attorney to better understand your rights and to discuss the possible claims that are applicable to your situation. Every case is different and the right lawyer will be able to discuss the next steps that should, or should not, be taken with respect to your employer in general, management or human resources.
DM – If a victim loses their job as a result of making a sexual harassment complaint, what should they do?
Bryan Arce – Someone who has lost their job in retaliation for complaining of sexual harassment should contact an attorney immediately. Many times, an employee who is fired for retaliatory reasons is given a severance agreement and a minimal amount of time to review it and sign. Usually, a severance agreement will have a provision whereby the employee waives all of his or her rights to file a lawsuit for the sexual harassment and retaliation.
Unfortunately, retaliation, while unlawful, still does happen. The employee is often labeled as a “troublemaker” or “complainer.” The employee is also blamed for not “going along” and ruining the previous workplace atmosphere, even if it was riddled with unlawful behavior. Often, the retaliation claim is stronger and easier to prove, than the underlying sexual harassment.
DM – What are your thoughts on the #MeToo movement?
Bryan Arce – The #MeToo movement has removed the shame and embarrassment of being a sexual harassment victim. Besides empowering more women and men to come forward with their claims and hold their employers, or former employers, accountable for the past illegal conduct, #MeToo has made people realize that if they come forward, they will not only not be alone, but may inspire other people to come forward who otherwise would have been reluctant to do so. By coming forward person adds momentum to the movement – fuel to the fire.
DM – As someone who is multilingual, have you had many experiences with representing immigrants in the workplace? If so, do you have any tips on coming forward for workers that may fear for their visa status?
Bryan Arce – I have represented a number of immigrant workers with claims of sexual harassment. Regrettably, many employers believe that this part of the work population is exploitable because of their immigration status. Employers believe that employees will not complain about sexual harassment for fear of retaliation; either losing a job, having a visa revoked or being reported to immigration authorities. However, employees in this situation should contact an attorney who can help guide him or her through the process and the possible next legal moves for protection.
Jim Jackson Pexels
DM – Lastly, do you have any tips for employers to create a safe and comfortable workplace?
Bryan Arce – In order for employers to help foster workplace free of sexual harassment, they should cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect among all employees, regardless of seniority or titles and regardless of gender. Also, clear policies against sexual harassment should be in place, along with definitive procedures for reporting such harassment. But most importantly, all employees need to be well educated in these policies, and the policies should be enforced equally.
DM – How does a victim of sexual harassment go about finding the right attorney to represent their case?
Bryan Arce – Law firms are a service industry. But having an attorney-client relationship is just that: a relationship. People need to find an attorney with whom they feel comfortable. This is because, as attorneys, we are not only providing legal services but emotional support as well. The emotional part of an employment case is very important to recognize. People tend to spend more time with co-workers than they do at home with family. Many law firms just do not understand this part of the attorney-client relationship.
DM – The legal process can be confusing for those outside of the system, as you well know. What should victims looking for representation be wary of?
Bryan Arce – Victims seeking representation should keep an eye out for firms, or attorneys, that charge an up-front retainer fee or even a fee for an initial consultation. This can be a sign that the attorney does not “believe in the case” enough to work on a contingency fee basis; the attorney would rather be paid up front or as the litigation progresses. In that situation, the attorney may not have the same incentive to maximize the value of a settlement or verdict for that case.
DM – What are the advantages of choosing a large firm over an independent lawyer, if any?
Bryan Arce – Litigation itself is expensive, and a larger firm can fund the costs associated with it. Many smaller firms do not have the financial ability to properly fund those expenses; and therefore, corners may be cut.
Follow the #MeToo hashtag on social media for new developments and stories, and hop over to our Humans of Downtown section for more influential Downtown New Yorkers.
When you think of Lamborghini, a sport utility vehicle probably isn’t the first image to pop into your head. After the appearance of the 2018 Lamborghini Urus, it will most likely still not be the first image to pop into your head, but it is a preliminary step in that direction. With off-road features, an interior full of the latest tech and some distinct characteristics that are uniquely Lamborghini, the Urus makes an attempt to carve out its own space in the luxury SUV market.
Sporting a 650hp V8 bi-turbo engine, the Urus has plenty of get-up-and-go, and it also has all of the racing specs you need to have a good time on the track and put up consistently quick lap times. However, if you find yourself cruising down 10th Avenue more often than on the Nurburgring, its high-performance output may be a bit of opportunity loss. The interior is distinctly a product of the manufacturer, with those stylish Italian touches, sharp edges and beautiful materials glistening at every corner. The infotainment system sports two touchscreens, three HD displays and 3D surround sound so you can blast Pavarotti to your heart’s content while tackling traffic jams.
If you’re heading out of town for some adventure, the Urus will be able to keep up. This new addition to the luxury SUV category has three off-road modes: NEVE, TERRA and SABBIA. These modes are for a range of surfaces and traction conditions to keep your ride comfortable, even in some pretty harsh conditions. While not as rough-and-tumble as some of the other vehicles in this category (i.e. Range Rovers, etc.), it can plow through sand dunes and keep its legs underneath it on a slippery corner at high speed, certainly making the Urus worth its salt and deserving of the sport utility title.
While the interior absolutely screams Lamborghini, the exterior is a bit more cryptic in its representation of this legendary automobile manufacturer. It has sharp lines, aggressive styling and a modern,honeycomb-style grill, but it doesn’t particularly look like a Lamborghini. It’s round, and it looks – well – a bit too regular to sit beside the Aventador and Huracan as a family member.
The Urus is a step in a new direction. While the exterior does fall a bit flat, the folks at Lamborghini have manufactured a fun, functional and admittedly luxurious SUV that does everything it advertises as advertised. What more can you ask for?
Learn more about the Urus on the Lamborghini website, and for more auto and tech news, head over to our tech spot.
With warmer weather comes the rain, and those clunky winter boots that got you through the winter can be a little too insulated for the rainy days of spring and early summer. The problem with rainboots is that they are often only that: rain boots. Once you get out of the rain they’re clunky and ugly and heavy. Here are three stylish and waterproof shoes to help you conquer the puddles without looking like a deep-sea fisherman this spring:
The Vans Sk8-Hi sneaker is an institution. From skaters and punks to artists and average Joes and Janes, the Sk8-Hi is a simple, solid classic that reminds us of a simpler time. And now, you can take on the mountains with them. With its tagline, “Designed for the elements,” Vans has brought us a twist on their classic shoe that combines durable, waterproof uppers with a heat retention layer to keep out the chill.
Tretorn is a staple in high-end footwear, and has long been praised in their waterproof offerings. Their Gill rainboot offers the hard to achieve combination of a boot that’s completely waterproof that also doesn’t make you look like you’re about to go fishing. The Gill boot features a rubber and coated canvas outer with a high-performance Eco-Ortholite sock on the inside for dryness and comfort you can count on.
If you can count on any brand to produce a great athletic shoe that you can take to the streets, it’s Adidas, and their Terrex collection has been revered by trail runners and hikers alike. The Agravic GTX is touted as a waterproof trail running shoe to get you through the hills and tough terrain without a hitch, but that support, water-resistance and athletic style looks just as good stomping through puddles down 10th Avenue.
For more style news and tips, keep an eye on our fashion file.
There has always seemed to be a sharp divide between beer and wine, both in composition and in culture. Although with the rise in popularity of craft beer and craft beer breweries we’re seeing hoppier additions to fine dining beverage menus, there still existed a gap in the bridge between wine and beer – until now. Dogfish Head Brewery has effectively closed this gap with a new release that’s the closest to being wine a beer can legally be, the aptly named Mixed Media.
Dogfish Head, coming from its humble beginnings as the smallest commercial brewery in America back in 1995, has grown to be a powerhouse in the craft beer scene, providing a wide range of both old standard and more experimental beers, also including several restaurants and a growing spirits division in their empire. Citing spontaneity and experimentation as two of its core values, while also putting out a wine-beer hybrid every year since the late 90s, Dogfish Head concocting a beer that takes 49% of its fermentables from grapes isn’t too tricky a picture to paint. Mixed Media weighs in with a 7.5% ABV and a spicy, white wine body, touting notes of sweet melon and white grape, according to the brewers, who go on to say that this new brew is perfect for “wine drinkers who are at beer drinking occasions.”
Mixed Media will make its debut at the end of this month, preceding the return of their Festina Pêche neo-Berliner Weisse in early May. For more release dates, restaurant locations and information about the company, visit the brewery’s website, and to stay on top of the latest news in beer, wine and everything else food, head over to our dining section.
