Best in LA: A Members-Only Club That’s Worth Your Time

Members-only social clubs are a tricky subject.

Just how exclusive are they? What do they offer members aside from a sense of belonging and gravitas? And how can the average person get involved?

There’s no straight answer.

Every club has its own target demographic, aesthetic, and goal.

But I can tell you that not all social clubs are created equally. Some represent the old guard. Some price out true innovators. Some simply don’t have enough to offer for how much they cost.

But there’s a new project that popped up on my radar in Los Angeles—one that I think is worth writing about. (This isn’t a sponsored post, by the way. I’m just a fan.)

The Aster is a social club (and boutique hotel) that I would join if I lived in Los Angeles. Here’s why I think it’s worth your time if you’re visiting Los Angeles or call the City of Angels home.

Welcome to The Aster

So, what’s different about this private-members club and boutique hotel?

The Aster calls itself a ‘hybrid house of hospitality’, which is the type of integrated experience travelers should be on the hunt for. It opened its doors in Hollywood back in 2022 and has been carefully building outs its suite of features and amenities since then.

I love the concept of a hotel-social club. It’s a dynamic new concept in lodging and remote work, especially for digital nomads and creative professionals who need a bit more out of their club, co-working space, and/or hotel stay.

Oh, and The Aster is luxury, too. That’s important to mention.

The Aster Hotel: open to the public

The Aster is a members-only club, but its hotel is open to the public. No membership required.

I think that dash of accessibility is hugely important, as it allows visitors and newcomers in Los Angeles to explore the city from a few swanky-as-hell pied-a-terres.

The Aster offers 35 high-design suites. They’re flooded with natural light and include private patios, open floor plans, and opulent bathroom amenities.

And guests who aren’t official members still have access to certain benefits at The Aster, including the outdoor pool, rooftop restaurant, gym, and club lounge.

Plus, all the really amazing events The Aster regularly schedules.

Events, you say?

Let’s dig into the features and benefits that The Aster’s members are treated to.

For a single location, it’s pretty staggering—and it’s what I think makes The Aster worth your attention. While the hotel and club angle are top-notch, I’m all about those extras.

So here’s what you get with The Aster—

Friday movie screenings—elevated movie screenings, to be more specific. They’re hosted at an on-site cinema that seats almost forty. It pays homage to LA and its filmmaking industry, allowing members to immerse themselves in the city’s culture.
A full-length wellness program that launched this summer. What’s involved in the wellness program? Things like daily smoothies, group workout classes in a brand-new Pilates studio, human design workshops, soundbath experiences, meditation classes, and more. What I love about this wellness program is that it’s designed for both professional and spiritual wellness. That might sound a little at odds, but as a millennial freelancer whose work is close to her heart, professional and spiritual wellness are often closely intertwined.
Human design workshop. Human design is a method to get to know ourselves on a deeper level. It’s usually labeled as New Age, incorporating practices and knowledge from traditions like astrology, the Kabbalah, the I Ching, and more. Human design workshops can help fuel professionals in both the workplace and in their personal lives.
The Aster Art Initiative. This new program (launching in September 2024) rotates mini-residencies from artists who will showcase their work throughout the property. So far, names like Florian Morlat, Nora Shields, Kim Fisher, and Matthew Kelly Debbaudt are on the docket.

The professional angle

Let’s not forget about one of the foundational components of The Aster: to provide a distinguished place for millennials (and others) to network, synthesize ideas, and otherwise collaborate.

The Aster offers a club lounge that includes lounge space, a dining room, a bar, and meeting spaces—all of which are open seven days a week to members.

Combined with all the offers above, there’s a lot going on at The Aster that simplifies, streamlines, and fosters creative and professional work.

Best of all, you’re connected to The Aster’s network of professionals. As someone who works at a trendy coworking space in Barcelona, I can tell you that I really love rubbing elbows with likeminded professionals. It’s inspiring, motivating, and it’s constantly expanding my horizons.

Want to learn more? Explore The Aster’s membership program.

2024 Travel Trends—According to TikTok

Travel trends are constantly shifting.

Oftentimes, new trends are fueled by intriguing new destinations and approaches to travel. Some are also reactionary. As issues like overtourism evolve, travelers are also on the hunt for sweeter hospitality and friendlier cities.

And one of the most cutting-edge ways that travelers are exploring their options is through social media. For Gen Z and millennials, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are helping steer new travel trends.

The range of offerings is truly vast.

From camper-van accounts that showcase couples traveling the open road to bonkers foodie hits like mukbang, you can find travel content that touches on just about every interest. Even virtual travel has started to take off.

But what does the data tell us? I’m taking a closer look at wanderlust as it’s depicted on TikTok.

As the world’s fastest-growing social media platform, it’s driving intrigue and bookings in real time. But just what trends have taken over so far in 2024?

Sustainability

Increasingly, travelers are interested in experiences that allow them to explore the world with a minimal carbon footprint and environmental impact.

As a Global Studies major, I’ve seen first-hand how travel puts the environment and those who rely on it at risk. If you want a closer look at these types of problems and sustainable solutions (that are really cool), I suggest checking out my article on underwater sculpture parks in Bali.

The idea here is that travel can be sustainable, reciprocal, and jaw-droppingly awesome. There’s no need to compromise.

Solo adventures

This is one of the most unique trends I’ve seen in travel. In the past, I’ve seen discussions of solo travel revolve around women.

As in, which places are accommodating to solo female travelers? Which areas could pose a threat?

The new TikTok-driven era of the solo adventure doesn’t focus only on women. The core idea behind solo adventure accounts is the sense of freedom and self-discovery.

It’s a way for travelers to shield themselves from tourist traps and unforgiving group travel by going it alone. There’s also an emphasis on self-growth, which I like. In my opinion, when travel lacks that introspection, it becomes more a commodity than an experience.

Hidden gems

This trend should come as no surprise. Influencers on TikTok have helped spur interest in under-the-radar destinations and experiences.

A hidden gem account might cover topics like secluded beaches, lesser-known forms of transportation, and even unique eats at a well-known restaurant.

The idea revolves around insider knowledge. What I like about this trend is that it focuses on lesser-known experiences—not solely finding another tropical island escape or the best yacht rentals in Croatia.

A hidden gem might be a feeling, a handmade treat, or new exposure to culture, traditions, and craft.

Foodie focuses

I mentioned above that hidden gems could apply to food—like, say, munching on scorpions and tarantulas in Southeast Asia.

But there’s also an increasing number of accounts that focus solely on foodie destinations, eats, and even foodie-adjacent topics like unique ingredients.

From revealing the gold-flaked dishes of fine dining to uncovering the spiciest foods in Seoul’s street vendors, there’s a foodie account for just about everyone.

But keep in mind that not all are focused on travel. There are many accounts that instead bring culture to viewers, teaching them how to create local delicacies from their very own homes.

What I love about the foodie focus is that it taps into the power of the palette. When we travel, we expose ourselves to new flavors. It can be challenging and rewarding for the open-minded.

Adventure & sports thrills

Adrenaline junkies are starting to leave their mark on the travel world.

These daring TikTok influencers are taking to the skies, to the mountains, and far beyond to showcase their escapades paragliding, sprinting across sand dunes, windsurfing, rock climbing, and more.

As someone who once found herself bungee jumping from a bridge in Costa Rica, I’m happy to hear that other travelers are interested in taking a leap of faith. While I wouldn’t dare jump again, it’s always thrilling to someone else go for it.

US Virgin Islands: Top Hotels & Rentals for All Travelers

The Virgin Islands are the stuff of dreams.

Divided into the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, these territories offer some truly unspoiled views of the Caribbean.

The British Virgin Islands are known to be more remote and, therefore, harder to explore. Because of this, most yachting and cruise liners focus on islands in the British territory.

By contrast, the US Virgin Islands are much more developed and welcoming to beginner travelers.

In theory, that should make it easier to find a quality hotel or rental for your trip to the US Virgin Islands—at least, compared to the more rugged British Virgin Islands.

There are three large islands in the USVI to choose from. You’ve probably heard of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas—but what about another popular island, Water Island?

And what about those 50-odd smaller islands dotting the main ones?

If you’re looking for an unexpected and high-quality stay in the US Virgin Islands, then start with one of these options. I’ve hand-selected some of the leading hotels and Airbnb rentals available based on ratings and reviews, the uniqueness of the stay, and that relaxation-centric Caribbean feel.

The Pink Palm Hotel

St. Thomas

This boutique hotel is stylish—from its on-site restaurant to its emerald-tiled pool. It reminds me of a Wes Anderson-esque stay… one that’s focused on Caribbean details like thatched boudoirs and dark-wood features.

Plus the tropical amenities you expect, like a hot tub, pool with a view, and a lush garden. This hotel is also adults-only, making it ideal for couples and groups looking for a quieter escape.

Book here

The Waves at Cane Bay

St. Croix

Style is yet another important feature at The Waves—but this spot is decidedly moodier than The Pink Palm.

I’m a huge fan of the décor, as it offers a callback to the historical estates that dotted the Caribbean. Plus, every room comes with a sea view. Want a closer look? The beach is only a short walk away.

I’ve also noticed a lot of rave reviews for the on-site restaurant, Ama. It serves up American and Caribbean food with a focus on seafood. Yum.

Book here

Lovango Resort + Beach Club

St. John

This wanky new stay is located just off the coast of St. John… on a private island, no less.

Lovango Resort + Beach Club opens its shores each day to day-trippers and overnighters alike. The décor is Caribbean-themed, both chic and bohemian.

But you might fall in love based on the live music, spacious decks, seriously opulent pool, and what I’m dubbing a near-perfect series of chill-out areas.

Lounge here, lounge there, take a dip, eat some food, drain a cocktail, and put yourself to sleep—then start all over again the next day.

Book here

Caribbean Style Cottage

St. John

It might be a little small at only 500 square feet, but this Airbnb’s design is spot-on. (I’ve been looking at the pictures for a while trying to figure out how to adapt this design for my apartment.)

Beyond the lovely décor, I love this Airbnb’s location.

Guests are only five minutes from the popular Reef Bay Beach, which is adjacent to a national park. Though you’ll need to rent a car to get the most out of this stay, that’s not uncommon when visiting the US Virgin Islands.

Book here

Bella Fortuna (Oceanfront Studio)

St. Thomas

Just like the Caribbean-style cottage above, Bella Fortuna is a rich and delectable take on tropical cottages—a slightly more colorful one. Beach views fill the many windows, while gear like board games and painting setups are readily available.

Though it’s not the most luxurious stay, I can’t find a fault here. It’s tucked away into a jungle only a short walk from the beach, there’s a fantastic outdoor area for relaxing, and a seriously large patio for outdoor lounging.

Book here

Surf Song Cottage

Water Island

It’s a yurt built from bottle bricks—a staple in the world of sustainable constructions. That alone gets a huge thumbs up for me… but it’s also great for non-tree huggers.

Surf Song Cottage offers a very private deck. By private, I mean this place is located at the end of a dead-end road on tiny Water Island, off the coast of St. Thomas.

If you want privacy, you’ll find it in spades here. The grounds are extensive and left mostly wild, letting you wander through hiking trails.

Oh, and beach access. You can easily get to Honeymoon Beach—or even head back to St. Thomas on a day trip.

Book here

Civet Coffee: Inside the Controversial World of Poo-Coffee

If you’ve traveled to Southeast Asia, you might have noticed a recurring offer on menus.

A pricier version of coffee called civet coffee (or ‘kopi luwak’, as it’s known in Indonesia). Or maybe you’ve heard of these uniquely processed coffees in a more informal sense… possibly as monkey-dropping coffee.

Regardless of the name, the drink is the same.

Civet coffee comes from the droppings of civets.

Civets are small mammals that resemble a blend between a cat and a raccoon. (My apologies for the description, I’m not a biologist.) These timid, nocturnal creatures live in the tropical forests in East Africa and across South Asia and Southeast Asia.

I think you might know what happens next.

If you don’t, let’s explore what civet coffee is and why you should be very discerning about where you drink it. (If you drink it at all.)

Straight from the civet: alternative processing at its finest

Coffee plants have bright red berries, sometimes called cherries. Inside are delectable seeds that humans have been roasting, grinding, and steeping for centuries.

The civet also likes the coffee plant. These little guys are known to eat its berries, along with the seeds inside.

Here’s the short of how civet coffee came to be: Dutch traders brought Ethiopian coffee beans to Indonesia, where locals began growing coffee in spades.

Local palm civets went to town on these coffee bushes. Some ate so many berries that their scat was almost entirely composed of beans and berry remnants.

Someone noticed and made a really big decision. That decision involved cleaning and roasting those digested beans. And then drinking the coffee from that yield.

‘The Holy Grail of Coffee’

Why—why—why—would someone drink coffee that coffee, you might ask?

Well, it tastes good. (Allegedly.)

A civet’s digestive tract changes the composition of amino acids in the coffee beans, which in turn leads to a slight malting process. That malting process yields a softer taste.

Coffee drinkers around the world have developed a serious taste for this softer variation. It peaked in the early 2000s, at which point civet coffee was dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of coffee’ thanks to its commanding price in coffee markets.

It’s considered a novelty amongst hardcore coffee fans—but let’s dig a bit deeper here.

During my research, I was stunned to learn that actual coffee connoisseurs don’t usually enjoy this unusual brew. Critics seem to believe what’s on sale here is the commodity—not the actual taste.

According to one expert coffee drinker, civet coffee tastes like Folgers.

Why you should twice about drinking civet coffee

Fast forward to 2024 and civet coffee has put a bad taste in the mouths of many drinkers… but not for the reason you might be thinking.

From the outside looking in, harvesting a few coffee bean-rich animal droppings isn’t bad. Humans have odd tastes, after all.

The problem here is the drink’s rise in popularity has led to substandard animal treatment in countries where it’s produced. At worst, civets are placed in battery cages and force-fed coffee beans. At best, they’re kept in regular cages.

Even if you’re not into animal welfare, this should immediately raise some questions.

Civet coffee is pricey, costing upwards of $20 a cup for a subpar variation. If you’re going to pay that amount, then you might want to invest in a cup that’s ethically sourced and more mindfully produced.

My point: the coffee will taste better if the civet isn’t distressed and unhealthy.

Unfortunately, finding ethical civet coffee is a struggle. In fact, civet treatment is such a problem that the businessman who brought civet coffee to the Western world has since backtracked on the industry.

Not only for its cruelty but also for the increasingly blurred lines of finding legitimate civet coffee.

Is it really off-limits?

I’d heartily advise you to avoid this delicacy unless you’ve done your research.

That being said, civet coffee can be ethical and sustainable.

Interestingly, the man who brought civet coffee to the world (Tony Wild, linked in the article above) has since backtracked on that first backtracking. Ethical civet coffee production does exist.

So, what does an ethical cup look like?

Well, the roasters should be harvesting the poo rather than keeping civets captive. To support healthy civets, harvesters should be supporting their immediate habitat.

In my research, I’ve located one civet coffee company that openly discusses its civet bean sourcing. Here’s why I think The Poop Coffee is a solid choice if you want to order and sample civet-processed beans.

The Poop Coffee abides by three important ethical and sustainability standards.

First, no civets are held in captivity. They’re wild, coffee berry-eating fiends.

Second, coffee beans are harvested naturally by scouring the forest floor.

Third, their coffee ‘farm’ is located near the civet’s natural habitat, letting them source truly wild coffee-bean-laden droppings while also supporting the local community.

Airbnb is Launching a Polly Pocket Stay—Here’s What You Need to Know

Airbnb keeps on upping the ante when it comes to imaginative stays.

Want to explore some zany, alter-ego-caliber rentals around the world? You have options—from Brazil to Indonesia.

And what about famous stays from world-renowned architects? That’s also on the docket—from Spain to Mexico.

Even if you’re on the hunt for a singularly effervescent and unforgettable stay, I could point you to one immediately. (It’s a magical villa stay in France.)

So, what’s behind the uptick in unique Airbnbs? From the outside looking in, I’d say competition.

Airbnb has solid competitors on the market, giving travelers the option to choose between a standard hotel stay, a home exchange (even international exchanges), and alternative rental platforms like VRBO.

This has led to a proliferation of designer Airbnbs—as in, apartments, homes, and other projects that were constructed and decorated specifically with a niche Airbnb demographic in mind.

Many of these options are design-centric and extravagant, focused on crafting the perfect atmosphere for influencers, avid travelers, and those on the hunt for something truly novel.

Then there are projects like the brand-new Polly Pocket’s Compact—an official launch from Mattel, the same company that brought your Barbie.

Polly Pocket? And Airbnb?

In case you weren’t a child in the 1990s, Polly Pocket is a bite-sized version of Barbie. I was a Polly Pocket girl until my dad got tired of paying the vet to fish the doll’s rubber clothes out of our lab’s belly. (Fair enough.)

Polly’s shtick is her tiny size.

She lives in a plastic house that can be folded up like a bubblegum-pink briefcase—officially known as a ‘compact’. She wears tiny clothes and does herself up with tiny accessories and goes on tiny adventures. It’s cute!

And now—thanks to the powers of Airbnb and Mattel—Polly has unveiled a human-sized compact house in her scenic hometown of Littleton, Massachusetts. And you can experience what it’s like to live in one of Polly’s famous compacts.

There’s even a birthday angle. Officially, Polly’s Airbnb is launching in celebration of her 35^th birthday.

Enter the Slumber Party Fun Polly Pocket Airbnb

This two-story stay is packed full of nostalgic reminders of the 1990s—those that are Polly Pocket-themed and beyond. It’s also constructed in compact fashion. The home literally looks like it could be folded for easier handling.

Also, the chairs, the staircase, the couch, the fireplace, the picture frames all look to be made from stiff, thick plastic.

So, what can guests plans on doing here?

According to the doll herself, “There’s adventure to be had from my closet full of nostalgic fashion fun to the surprises I’ve left hidden around the compact. The fun is endless!”

As far as I can tell, the ‘fun’ involves staying at the compact-themed two-story home that’s chock full of Polly-themed supplies.

There are ‘nostalgic hair and nail accessories’ for guests to enjoy, along with a kitchen stocked with 90s-themed snacks and enough tiny charms to make dozens of friendship bracelets.

That being said, guests won’t actually be sleeping inside the compact. Instead, they’ll be heading to a plastic tent-room just a few steps away, which sleeps five. No word on the bathroom.

What does a booking include?

Starting on August 21, you can request a one-night stay at the Polly Pocket Compact.

The request period closes in late August. I’m not sure how the property will be managed afterward, but I imagine its Airbnb calendar will be chock-full for months.

Given the limited number of one-night stays available, Airbnb is also launching a daytime experience called the Polly Pocket Play Date.

A select few (only 21 experiences total) will be welcomed into the Polly Pocket House for a makeover that includes cute outfits, glamorous makeovers, and other blonde doll-adjacent activities.

Caught your interest?

If you’re interested in landing a one-night stay at Polly Pocket’s Compact, I suggest checking in on August 21 to book a room. It looks like this Airbnb is launching with a limited number of one-night stays, plus the play date experiences.

After that, who knows?

New England Recs: Best Breweries in New Hampshire & Vermont

The United States has a serious love of beer.

Over the last two decades, the number of independent brewers across the country has skyrocketed. They’re launching new IPAs and Pilsners, opening new breweries and tasting rooms, and treating locals to delightful new drinking experiences.

They’ve even taken over cities, as with San Diego—the US’s craft beer capital.

Along with places like Pittsburgh, Portland (in Maine and Oregon), and Asheville, San Diego is helping steer the future of microbreweries. Not only do locals really like beer, but they’re also interested in sampling daring new blends.

But what about the actual beer drinkers?

San Diego takes the cake as the most craft brew-centric city in the US because of the sheer number of independent breweries. Places like Pittsburgh and Portland, by contrast, are on the map thanks to their longstanding history with craft brewing.

But when it comes to cold, hard numbers, you might be surprised to learn that it’s more remote outposts like the Dakotas, Montana, Vermont, and New Hampshire that take the cake in terms of gallons drank per capita.

Back in 2023, New Hampshire locals drank 43.9 gallons of beer per capita according to a study from Beer Info.

Vermont was ranked close behind at 35.3 gallons per capita.

That’s a lot of golden hops.

So here’s the better question—where do locals in Vermont and New Hampshire slam all that beer? According to reviews and ratings from drinkers, food writers, and foodies alike, these are three of the top breweries in both states.

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Greensboro Bend, Vermont

Explore here

Since 2010, Hill Farmstead Brewery has been concocting some incredibly diverse beers. They offer single-hop options, philosophical options, and ancestral options.

Philosophical options cover beers with unique origins and inspirations. For context, they’re named Beyond Good and Evil, along with Being and Time.

Ancestral options cover the direct history of brewing—including the land, the hops, and the people behind the brewing. That last category makes sense, as this farmstead has been active for 200 years.

The Alchemist

Stowe, Vermont

Explore here

From brewery tours to its outdoor beer garden, it’s easy to see the hype behind The Alchemist.

I’ve found that the world of craft brewing (like many indy-run fields) can be a little gatekeep-y. That’s definitely not the case at The Alchemist.

Even its sustainability initiatives are easy to understand and digest. (Never seen a fully solar-powered brewery before!) It’s real grassroots brewing here—one that’s invested in its community in many ways.

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Burlington, Vermont

Explore here

The vibes are decidedly cool—which I’m not surprised given its location in Burlington. (It’s one of those fiercely self-determining hippie towns.)

The beer menu is extensive and creative, while the actual brewery grounds are very kitschy-cool and focused on sustainability. Want to know how tasty Zero Gravity Craft Brewery releases are? Even the non-alcoholic choice is highly rated by drinkers.

Deciduous Brewing Company

Newmarket, New Hampshire

Explore here

This cozy brewery is located right in the heart of charming downtown Newmarket. As Deciduous Brewing Company enters its tenth year, it looks to have its on-tap and orders down to a science.

I appreciate this dual approach, as it allows drinkers to dive deep into the company’s brewery backlog. But I’m also a fan of the actual bar—and it’s Friday Night trivia games.

White Mountain Brewery

Ashland, New Hampshire

Explore here

Handcrafted and hyper-focused on hops, White Mountain Brewery is a small and humble brewery—one that has a serious love of craft beers.

Like with Deciduous Brewing Company, there’s plenty in the way of dive bar events, from cornhole on the patio to trivia nights. This type of atmosphere is a huge bonus for me—and seems to be a highlight that keeps regulars coming back for more.

Stoneface Brewing

Newington, New Hampshire

Explore here

Stoneface is a pretty big deal—and if you’ve been slamming IPAs on the East Coast for a while, you’ve probably sampled Stoneface Brewing’s beers before.

When you head to their Newington location, you’ll also be treated to a solid menu of dive bar fare—and some brewery-exclusive releases.

Oh, and there’s even seltzer for all those who can’t handle their beer. Plus a long list of events—one of which is called Ol’ Dirty Sunday. No idea how that relates to beer, but I’m going.