Insider Life: Waldorf Astoria's makeover - Maskless at Saks - 'Harvard of the sky'

It's the unofficial start of summer, readers! Take some time to soak in that much needed R&R - and while you're at it, enjoy some of our top reads spanning real estate, fitness, food, and travel. In this week's edition of Insider Life, we're showing you the Waldorf Astoria's grand makeover, giving you a glimpse into the "bizarre" housing market, and introducing you to Guatemala's 1,800-degree "lava" pizza (yes, please!).

Without further ado…

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New York City's iconic Waldorf Astoria is undergoing a metamorphosis. The building is being partially reconfigured into condominiums, and a million-dollar model of the building is a big part of its lavish revival. Building models have long been used to help sell luxurious Manhattan real estate, but this to-scale rendering is a bit different - the model cost close to $1 million, weighs more than 300 pounds, and stands over 9 feet tall.

Take a look at the Waldorf Astoria's luxe makeover.

When Saks Fifth Avenue and its signature restaurant, L'Avenue at Saks, reopened for both indoor and outdoor dining at a regular capacity this month, fully vaccinated writer Michelle Gross took advantage of the loosened restrictions. She spent a day dining and shopping at the luxury department store - without a mask.

Here's what it was like.

The wealthy are gearing up for their hot vax summer, which means their security details are, too. As they plan vacations to far-flung destinations, security firms for the rich are preparing themselves by hiring above pre-pandemic levels and requiring vaccinations for bodyguards and drivers.

Here's how they're preparing for the return of luxury travel.

Today's housing market is getting "bizarre," says Redfin's CEO Glenn Kelman. Inventory is down, home prices are up, and buyers are getting desperate: one person, Kelman said, was so desperate that she offered to name her first-born child after the seller. (Psst - for help breaking into the wild housing market, Insider subscribers can join us on Wednesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. ET for a live panel discussion).

Key takeaways from the wild housing market.

Each year, more than 800 people apply for the "Harvard of the sky," a school founded by Steffany Kisling to train private-jet flight attendants to serve the world's A-list travelers. We spoke with Kisling about her elite academy, and she gave us a walk through of a day in her life.

Here's a look inside her world.

Best known for his "end systemic racism" tote, millennial entrepreneur Brandon Blackwood used $7,000 and Instagram to build his handbag empire. Now, his cult-like following - which has caught the attention of celebs from Kim Kardashian to Jessica Alba - has him on track to book $30 million in revenue this year.

How he found success.

Interest in indoor rowing is on the rise in the US - and is actually one of the fastest-growing segments of the overall fitness-equipment market. Now, brands like Ergatta, CityRow, and Hydrow are competing to be the next at-home fitness hit.

The rise of at-home rowing.

Plus...

• Rich people are spending millions on underground bunkers and luxury panic rooms. Here's why.
• You can eat a 1,800-degree "lava" pizza at the foot of this volcano in Guatemala. Check it out here.
• The pandemic took the homebody economy mainstream - and it's now here to stay.