Test Drive: The Bentley Bentayga

The most powerful, luxurious and expensive SUV in the world can do all the things its customers will only dream of

Premium SUVs are a funny concept—the words “sport” and “utility” are in general tension with the notion of “luxury.” The reality is, most customers will never push their SUVs (or sports cars for that matter) as far as they’re capable. But somewhere between having peace of mind and wearing a badge of honor, luxury car customers seem to want it all. Enter the Bentley Bentayga. …

Artist Leo Villareal Lights Up San Francisco’s Bay Bridge Permanently

A long-term return of the beloved outdoor installation

We have been following light artist Leo Villareal‘s The Bay Lights exhibition since its announcement back in 2011. Villareal succeeded—magnificently—in setting San Francisco’s iconic Bay Bridge aglow in March 2013. The visceral, undulating art piece remained in place for two years. Now, The Bay Lights will return (on 30 January at 7:25PM PST) and they will remain on—at the request of the State of California—from …

Asaba Ryokan

Japanese tradition, mid-centruy modernism and healing hot springs

A 90-minute train ride to the south west of Tokyo on the Izu peninsula, in a small village called Shuzenji, is Asaba, a 500-year-old ryokan that, since our recent visit, has become the sole destination of our continued daydreams. Known for Wasabi farms and the oldest hot spring in Izu, Shuzenji, is a destination for national tourists that’s not as often frequented by Westerners. The …