from neighborhood scavenger hunts to Chelsea blooms…
There’s no better time to visit London than the spring, when the skies have cleared, the parks are bursting with flowers and lush greenery, and the streets are overflowing with people eating and drinking outdoors. If you’re planning a visit, here are the can’t-miss events and seasonal spots to put on your list—from the V&A Museum’s largest ever photography exhibition to a flower-powered installation at one of the city’s buzziest restaurants.
The Doyle Collection, London (The Bloomsbury, The Kensington, and The Marylebone)
The Bloomsbury is a top pick among families, thanks to its classic London style and prime location near the cool Neal’s Yard and the British Museum. This spring, families can enjoy a complimentary self-guided city scavenger hunt, created in partnership with the Blue Badge Tourist Guide and the children’s illustrators behind the Drawn Together Art Collective. The 60-minute walking tour begins and ends at The Bloomsbury Hotel, where children who show a completed treasure hunt map will earn a tasty surprise from the concierge! Also new for spring is a seasonal installation at the hotel’s buzzy Dalloway Terrace, where London-based florist Princess & Ko has created a floral wonderland of green foliage and yellow mimosa flowers (the official emblem of International Women’s Day). As part of the activation, the Provençal rosé brand Maison Mirabeau has crafted a menu of rosé-inspired cocktails inspired by some of France’s most legendary actresses including Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve.
Meanwhile, The Kensington Hotel is offering tickets to one of the season’s hottest-ticket art events: the V&A Museum’s “Fragile Beauty” exhibition, which opens on May 18 and will showcase more than 300 photographs (the largest photography exhibition the museum has staged to date!) from Elton John’s legendary art collection. Guests who book the hotel’s Fragile Beauty Exhibition Experience package will snag two tickets to the exhibition plus a full English breakfast each morning of their stay. Later in the season, The Kensington will offer a similar package for guests interested in high fashion—specifically, the world of fashion icon Naomi Campbell, the leading lady of “Naomi: in Fashion” which opens at the V&A in June.
For a quick weekend escape, consider a stay at the fashionable Marylebone Hotel, known for its unbeatable address and on-site health club (home to an 18-meter swimming pool and complimentary Pilates and yoga classes!).
The Beaumont
A hidden gem in Mayfair, The Beaumont hotel has long been an insider’s spot that feels intimate, but never snobby, thanks to a team that knows guests by name and to its acclaimed restaurants and bars that draw a local crowd. For a curated sense of place, guests receive exclusive access and offerings at nearby stores, including Heywood Hill bookstore, Leica Cameras, and leather goods boutique, Métier. This is the first spring season for the property to showcase its 29 additional rooms and suites (for a total of 101) that have been designed by the late French American designer Thierry Despont. Not to miss is ROOM, a one-of-a-kind suite that was originally designed by Turner Prize-winner Antony Gormley due to the City of Westminster’s requirement that new buildings contain public art. The Lego man-like accommodation offers a bedroom with nothing but an all-white bed – no TV, minibar, artwork or telephone – so there are no distractions for a healthier night’s sleep. Fun fact: Every first Tuesday of the month, up to six guests can order a selection of board games at the Gatsby’s Room. For those looking to add on a cocktail, the team recommends Manhattan for backgammon and Mint Julep for Scrabble.
L’oscar London
Housed inside a converted Grade-II listed Baroque church with Jacques Garcia interiors, L’oscar London is one of the city’s most fashion-forward hotels. It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy afternoon tea, especially now that the property has rolled out a new afternoon tea menu with infusions from Newby Teas (the world’s most awarded luxury tea brand) and small bites inspired by seasonal flavors (think rhubarb and strawberry choux or lime and elderflower cheesecake). Vegan guests can opt for the hotel’s plant-forward menu, with a selection of veggie-centric finger sandwiches and sweets like dark chocolate mousse with yuzu and matcha.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
London’s Chelsea Flower Show is an annual celebration of show-stopping seasonal blooms and innovative garden designs. As part of the floral festivities, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel will debut spectacular floral displays around the property, as well as botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. Guests also receive early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens.
Popular summer destinations are popular for a reason – offering sun, sand, the great outdoors… Here are a few of our top picks for summer 2023.
EUROPE
Mykonos
Often known for its party scene, Mykonos has been a popular island destination for over 50 years. Kalesma Mykonos aims to show a different side of Mykonos. Sure, guests can still stay up until the wee hours of the morning (and even have babysitter to handle breakfast and some morning playtime if traveling with kids!), but they can also visit a local farm and try freshly made cheese, be pointed in the direction of hard-to-find and nearly empty beaches, or try a restaurant locals love that isn’t in the guidebooks. This summer, Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa with products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, so in addition to the treatments guests could formerly receive in-room, there are two treatment rooms with Dr. Sturm products plus a hammam. (Also a great way to beat jetlag!)
Most Grecian getaways begin or end with a night or two in the country’s capital, and the ancient seat of democracy. xenodocheio Milos has partnered with neighboring local favorite, Naxos Apothecary, to offer a new experience exclusive for guests to create a signature scent. Hotel guests can choose to do this either in the chic, airy apothecary around the corner or in their own suite. An expert will conduct a “tasting” of scents to distill a perfect, custom perfume, often using local Greek herbs and flowers. Perfect to create a scent that instantly brings you back to Greece with a spritz.
Filtered through the lens of Belmond, visitors will experience a European summer like never before. Drift along the Italian Riviera in a traditional gozzo fishing boat at Splendido Mare, indulge in wine and olive oil made on-property at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, and enjoy exclusive tours of Pompeii when staying at Caruso. Access is everything, and guests of Belmond get front-row seats to these region’s most spectacular landscapes, experiences, and attractions. Celebrations will be in full swing with 150th anniversary of Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily and the debut of the first phase of Splendido’s meticulous, multi-year restoration by internationally-renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Set to be unveiled in June 2023, the hotel will have a reimagined pool area and new villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the penthouse Baronessa Suite.
At the sprawling Tenuta di Murlo estate in Umbria (the 18,000 acres estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century), the family has spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. There are now eight villas with private pools and sprawling views of the countryside, and this April they are unveiling two new hotel rooms with sweeping views of the countryside, an indoor heated pool, and a hammam/steam bath. Activities for guests include truffle hunting, day trips to Assisi, Spoleto, Arezzo and Montepulciano (all less than an hour away), and exploring the 80 historic buildings on the property, including an 11th century castle, a beautifully frescoed church, and old mills scattered across the hills.
La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite of families traveling with children. There are four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus – including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland – so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds. During the summer, parents can opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on! Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.
Almanac Barcelona’s new multi-day Foodie tour gives guests the ability to pull back the curtain on the city’s dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests in the heart of the action. The panoramic rooftop bar looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, and chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant has a new menu every two weeks and local ingredients from surrounding farms just beyond the mountains. Itinerary highlights include a guided, three-hour food tour to some of Barcelona’s favorites, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, with one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain; and Vila Viniteca – one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe – housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. The next day head south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing.
The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. In May 2023, in time for the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has created a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island – its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy – to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.
The Catskill region has long been celebrated as the cradle of American fly-fishing as well as the playground for the ‘fathers’ of the sport – including 19th-century writers Theodore Gordon and George LaBranche. Nestled among the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, the 11-accommodation property is an idyllic spot to follow in their footsteps. Guests are provided Simms waders, boots, rods, and flies, and the classes can be customized based on age and experience level. Lunch by the water can also be arranged, including freshly-caught trout prepared shore-side. Additional experiences at the property include kayaking, hiking, archery, stargazing, and birdhouse building.
On May 25, 2023, the Riviera Maya will celebrate the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel. Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property will enter a new era with 72 accommodations, including 10 new waterfront suites, each aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. The transformation will also feature the first Guerlain spa in Latin America in a newly renovated biophilic space as well as a new gastronomic vision under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho with 90% of the ingredients sourced from Mexico. The beloved Freddy’s Bar, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or an escape from the afternoon sun, will also debut a fresh look with stunning sea views from every seat.
In the summer, Napa Valley serves as an adventure-filled backyard for visitors who come to get outdoors, soak up the sun, and relax amid miles of vines and rugged mountain scenery. While wine tourism is a major draw (rosé season, anyone?), there are also plenty of other activities like ATV tours, olive-oil tastings, family picnics, and outdoor music concerts. Here’s a preview of all that the sunny season has in store:
Napa Valley: Bring the Whole Family!
The region is not just an adult getaway – many Napa Valley lodging properties are offering family-friendly accommodations. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection offers lawn games, fireside s’mores, bocce courts, a kid-friendly Splash Pad, and a personalized pizza-making experience. Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, has a dedicated kids camp where daily activities include a hawk walk, bike rides, planting vegetables in the farm, and star-gazing on the Great Lawn. Carneros Resort and Spa offers garden tours along with other family-fun activities like a scavenger hunt, kids yoga classes, and a sleep-under-the-stars experience. The Meritage Resort and Spa has adopted a baby goat named Althea! Housed at the nearby Connolly Ranch Education Center (home to more than 85 barnyard animals), where guests can drop by and learn about life on the ranch. Check out Visit Napa Valley’s list of kid-friendly wineries to find the perfect place to taste, with the whole family in tow.
Beyond the Glass – Unique Winery Experiences
Do you like your wine with a side of adventure? Buckle up and embark on an ATV tour of the 1,000-acre mountainside vineyard at Hess Persson Estate, complete with views from Napa Valley to the San Francisco Bay. Afterward, enjoy a wine and cheese pairing or culinary tasting experience with dishes cultivated from produce grown in the estate gardens.
Blending is an art as well as a science. If you sign up for the Bottle Blending Camp at Judd’s Hill Winery, you’ll learn how to perfect your Bordeaux-style blends using samples from four red varietals. It’s a fun and educational way to hone your palate and just as enjoyable if you’re a single, a couple, or a group. There’s room for everyone!
Develop a taste for olive oil and head over to Round Pond Estate to learn about olive cultivation, harvest, and the property’s artisanal methods of production including a traditional stone mill. The estate is home to 2,200 olive trees with the five Italian varieties and three Spanish varieties—see if you can taste the difference during an hour-long tasting. Or visit the new tasting room of Grove 45, a producer of extra virgin olive oil produced in the heart of Napa Valley. Run by mother-daughter duo Ana and Marcela Hernandez, Grove 45 hosts olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings, paired with seasonal bites.
If the great outdoors is calling you, several Napa Valley wineries host guided hikes that culminate in (of course!) a tasting, offering a true grape to glass experience. At Pine Ridge Vineyards, visitors can partake in a guided moderate hike through the vines while learning about the winery’s sustainable farming techniques and diverse ecosystems, while at Cuvaison, guests can walk through their vineyards before enjoying an ‘Estate Tasting’ and boxed lunch on the patio.
Summer of Sound in Napa Valley
Over the last decade, Napa Valley has become the premier destination for the biggest names in music, hosting both large scale and intimate shows in stunning outdoor venues. Highlights include the Golden States Festival (July 15) and the Down in the Valley Festival (September 2-3), both at the Oxbow RiverStage in downtown Napa, and the Blue Note Jazz Festival (July 28-30) hosted by Dave Chapelle and featuring headliners Mary J. Blige, Nas, and Chance the Rapper at Silverado Resort & Spa.
Other notable concert series running all summer long include the Blue Note Summer Sessions at The Meritage Resort, Festival Napa Valley (July 8-23) with country music star Carrie Underwood set to perform.
Savor After Hours (in residency from June- to September), brings a wholly unique show to Napa Valley. The first of its kind, this cabaret and wine tasting experience, featuring Dancing with the Stars champions Maks and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, is sure to surprise and delight guests. Featuring dance, music, magic, and of course wine, Savor After Hours is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in Napa Valley!
Popular summer destinations are popular for a reason – offering sun, sand, the great outdoors… Here are a few of our top picks for summer 2023.
Often known for its party scene, Mykonos has been a popular island destination for over 50 years. Kalesma Mykonos aims to show a different side of Mykonos. Sure, guests can still stay up until the wee hours of the morning (and even have babysitter to handle breakfast and some morning playtime if traveling with kids!), but they can also visit a local farm and try freshly made cheese, be pointed in the direction of hard-to-find and nearly empty beaches, or try a restaurant locals love that isn’t in the guidebooks. This summer, Kalesma Mykonos is opening a spa with products by Dr. Barbara Sturm, so in addition to the treatments guests could formerly receive in-room, there are two treatment rooms with Dr. Sturm products plus a hammam. (Also a great way to beat jetlag!)
Most Grecian getaways begin or end with a night or two in the country’s capital, and the ancient seat of democracy. xenodocheio Milos has partnered with neighboring local favorite, Naxos Apothecary, to offer a new experience exclusive for guests to create a signature scent. Hotel guests can choose to do this either in the chic, airy apothecary around the corner or in their own suite. An expert will conduct a “tasting” of scents to distill a perfect, custom perfume, often using local Greek herbs and flowers. Perfect to create a scent that instantly brings you back to Greece with a spritz.
Filtered through the lens of Belmond, visitors will experience a European summer like never before. Drift along the Italian Riviera in a traditional gozzo fishing boat at Splendido Mare, indulge in wine and olive oil made on-property at Castello di Casole in the Tuscan countryside, and enjoy exclusive tours of Pompeii when staying at Caruso. Access is everything, and guests of Belmond get front-row seats to these region’s most spectacular landscapes, experiences, and attractions. Celebrations will be in full swing with 150th anniversary of Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Sicily and the debut of the first phase of Splendido’s meticulous, multi-year restoration by internationally-renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Set to be unveiled in June 2023, the hotel will have a reimagined pool area and new villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the penthouse Baronessa Suite.
At the sprawling Tenuta di Murlo estate in Umbria (the 18,000 acres estate has been in the Carabba Tettamanti family since the 16th century), the family has spent a decade restoring, renovating, and designing the medieval farmhouses dotting the estate. There are now eight villas with private pools and sprawling views of the countryside, and this April they are unveiling two new hotel rooms with sweeping views of the countryside, an indoor heated pool, and a hammam/steam bath. Activities for guests include truffle hunting, day trips to Assisi, Spoleto, Arezzo and Montepulciano (all less than an hour away), and exploring the 80 historic buildings on the property, including an 11th century castle, a beautifully frescoed church, and old mills scattered across the hills.
La Réserve Geneva feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, thanks to its prime address within a 10-acre park. The hotel’s privileged, nest-like location is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite of families traveling with children. There are four kid-friendly restaurants with dedicated kids’ menus – including Tsé Fung, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Switzerland – so even the pickiest of eaters will find something to suit their taste buds. During the summer, parents can opt to enroll their children in the Collège du Léman Summer Camps, which offers everything from French classes and science labs to pastry-making, horseback riding, and wakeboarding on Lake Geneva with a two-time World Wakesurf champion. Other seasonal offerings include bead workshops, origami instruction, cooking lessons, karaoke, musical chairs, cartoon-making, and the list goes on! Geneva offers plenty in the way of child-friendly attractions and experiences, including a chocolate tour and visit to a 200-year-old chocolate factory; a stroll around the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory, home to 500 plant species; a visit to the Natural History Museum, where there are moonstones, fossils, and reconstitutions of extinct dodo bird; and a deep-dive on the art of watchmaking at the Patek Philippe Museum.
Almanac Barcelona’s new multi-day Foodie tour gives guests the ability to pull back the curtain on the city’s dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. At the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests in the heart of the action. The panoramic rooftop bar looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, and chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant has a new menu every two weeks and local ingredients from surrounding farms just beyond the mountains. Itinerary highlights include a guided, three-hour food tour to some of Barcelona’s favorites, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, with one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain; and Vila Viniteca – one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe – housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. The next day head south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing.
The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. In May 2023, in time for the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort will debut yet another metamorphosis, with a multi-million top-to-bottom restoration and renovation of its 66-room and -suite Harborside Hotel and 11 Cottages. Boston-based designer Elkus Manfredi has created a bright, airy, residential-inspired refresh, drawing on the essence of the island – its history, the quality of light, its natural landscapes, the colors, textures, and artistic legacy – to breathe new life into these historic accommodations. The patterns of the textiles will draw on the island’s rich history of basket weaving, with antique brass accents that evoke classic Nantucket and light blue ceilings that recall the skies on a summer’s day. Meanwhile, the 11 Cottages will be individually decorated and styled after plants indigenous to Nantucket like hydrangea and honeysuckle. New original art will be installed throughout, resulting from the brand’s all-new Artist in Residency Program, launched in August 2022. New York based art consultant and curator Emily Santangelo worked closely with White Elephant’s owners, the Karp family, to create a mini-residency made up for acclaimed artists from around the world.
The Catskill region has long been celebrated as the cradle of American fly-fishing as well as the playground for the ‘fathers’ of the sport – including 19th-century writers Theodore Gordon and George LaBranche. Nestled among the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir, the 11-accommodation property is an idyllic spot to follow in their footsteps. Guests are provided Simms waders, boots, rods, and flies, and the classes can be customized based on age and experience level. Lunch by the water can also be arranged, including freshly-caught trout prepared shore-side. Additional experiences at the property include kayaking, hiking, archery, stargazing, and birdhouse building.
On May 25, 2023, the Riviera Maya will celebrate the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel. Nestled between 200 acres of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property will enter a new era with 72 accommodations, including 10 new waterfront suites, each aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. The transformation will also feature the first Guerlain spa in Latin America in a newly renovated biophilic space as well as a new gastronomic vision under Mexican-born Executive Chef Daniel Camacho with 90% of the ingredients sourced from Mexico. The beloved Freddy’s Bar, ideal for pre-dinner cocktails or an escape from the afternoon sun, will also debut a fresh look with stunning sea views from every seat.
HYPER-LOCAL INGREDIENTS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT THE NEW RESTAURANT
BY VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU GRAND HOTEL & SPA IN INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
New York, NY (October 11, 2022) – With “zero-kilometer” cooking gaining traction in the restaurant world, hotels, too, are starting to embrace the concept of hyper-local food that changes with the seasons, spotlights small family growers, and transmits a sense of place. A leading example is Radius by Stefan Beer, a just-opened concept at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, Switzerland, where executive chef Stefan Beer and his team exclusively feature ingredients within a 50-kilometer radius of the hotel.
Several years in the making, the intimate fine-dining restaurant transforms locally grown ingredients into epicurean delights. The rigorous sourcing method has led Beer and chef de cuisine Michael Althaus to partnerships with independent producers and the discovery of unexpected ingredients such as soya at the Reikenhof farm in Wichtrach, saffron in Chrummbaum, and shrimp at the EyHof farm in Burdgorf. The restaurant even has a magazine that shares the tales of these discoveries and profiles the small producers.
The nine-course ‘menü vo hie’ (local menu) features mirabelles from Victoria-Jungfrau’s gardens, duck from the nearby town of Einigen, and wood sorrel from around Thun. Guests can expect dishes like raw Sigriswil trout with sorrel and cucumber, Aemme shrimp with buttermilk, pears, and black garlic, and local plums with Meiringer curd cheese and homemade vinegar. There is also a seven-course vegan menu, with dishes like cream cheese-buckwheat balls and tortellini with smoked pumpkin. The menu will change frequently based on seasonal ingredients that can be sourced from the small producers.
Wines come from the off-the-radar canton of Bern, with a focus on the Thunersee and Bielersee regions. Sommelier Torsten Noack has discovered some hidden gems, including a few bottles of one-barrel-only whiskey at Rugenbräu AG brewery.
Radius will round out the dining offerings at Victoria-Jungfrau dating to the mid-1800s. The Belle Époque property features renovated accommodations, opulent salons, trickling marble fountains, six tennis courts, a 5,500-square-meter spa with a vaulted indoor swimming pool, an outdoor saltwater pool, and a garden terrace. It is also an ideal jumping-off point for outdoor adventures like hikes, zip-lining, and paragliding — or the scenic train ride up to Jungfrauoch, Europe’s highest train station with views of the Aletsch Glacier.
About Michael Reybier Hospitality
For more than 20 years, Michel Reybier has been blazing the trail for a singular, highly contemporary vision of luxury and hospitality. Each of the Michel Reybier Hospitality destinations upholds his cherished values of excellence, authenticity and simplicity. Whether in a hotel, a villa or a private apartment, in the mountains or by the sea, in the countryside, in the heart of the vineyards or in the city… A sole requirement: namely exceptional places that throb with a distinctive emotion. A sole ambition: to share a refined art of living, dedicated above all else to our guests’ well-being and pleasure. This holistic approach is based on unforgettable experiences, where sport, food, wellness and passion form an inseparable whole. This approach is supported by the medical expertise of Nescens, whose ultimate goal is to ensure people live better, healthier lives for as long as possible. The promise of instilling meaning into each and every moment. www.michelreybierhospitality.com
NEW Culinary Experience in Barcelona through Family-Owned Spanish Hospitality Brand
In a city as beloved by travelers as Barcelona, it can be hard to pull back the curtain on the dining scene, discovering lesser-known haunts and gaining locals-only insight. Guests of Almanac Barcelona can fast-track their knowledge of the Catalan capital’s unique culinary tapestry by opting for the just-launched Barcelona Foodie Package, a one-of-a-kind offer that combines two nights’ accommodation, a chef-led tasting menu, a guided city food tour (with stops for wine, olive oil, and vegan charcuterie!), and an exclusive visit to one of Spain’s finest Cava producers— to name a few of the inclusions!
Located at the intersection of Passeig de Gràcia and the Gran Via boulevard, Almanac is a stylish boutique property that puts guests within the heart of the action. It also offers a more authentic glimpse into the city, being one of Barcelona’s few family-run, locally owned hospitality brands. Mix with locals at the panoramic rooftop bar, which looks out to La Sagrada Familia in the distance, or try chef Rodrigo de la Calle’s Michelin-starred “green haute cuisine” at the Virens restaurant, where the menu changes every two weeks and ingredients are sourced from local providers and surrounding farms just beyond the mountains.
Guests who sign up for the Barcelona Foodie Package will enjoy an exclusive tasting menu at Virens, with chef Rodrigo tableside to explain his vision, culinary techniques, and unique sourcing methods (his hunt for rare and underappreciated ingredients like carissa plums, white figs, and codium algae have taken him around the world). Your meal might begin with a glass of fresh-brewed hibiscus kombucha (there’s always a different flavor on tap), followed by beetroot tartare, grilled eggplant with curry and huacatay leaves, and finally, a Jerusalem artichoke tiramisu.
A guided, three-hour food tour will take guests to some of Barcelona’s top food haunts, like Orolíquido, in the Gothic Quarter, which boasts one of the largest collections of olive oil in Spain. After a tasting of different varieties (the shop stocks 20+ different brands), peruse the shop’s other natural products like cosmetics made from olive oil, artisanal salts, and balsamic vinegars aged 150 years. The tour will continue at Mercat Santa Caterina, a historic market built in 1848 and completely remodeled in 2005, with an undulating, mosaic-like roof (it’s the city’s first covered market). There, guests can discover a colorful array of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat, plus two stalls dedicated to Jabugo ham, the trendy Cuines Santa-Catarina restaurant, and a vegan delicatessen specializing in plant-based charcuterie! The final stop will take guests to Vila Viniteca—one of the most prestigious wine merchants in Europe—housing more than 4,500 bottles of Spanish wine like Sherry and Cava plus liquors and spirits, 400 of which are exclusive to the shop. Founded in 1932, the family-owned business participates in numerous winemaking projects with Spanish winemakers; be sure to ask all about these partnerships during your wine and cheese tasting in the private cellar!
As part of the package, guests will be transported 45 minutes south of Barcelona to the renowned Torelló Cellars for an exclusive tour by owner Toni De la Rosa Torelló, plus a farm-to-table brunch and a wine and Cava pairing. Surrounded by 135 hectares of vines, the winery has a history dating to 1951 and is renowned for its dry, long-aged Cava, made from traditional Catalan grapes like Xarel.lo.
Also included in the Barcelona Foodie Package include daily buffet breakfast for two and airport transfer to and from the hotel. From €2,040; services subject to availability and date confirmation.
Located just off Passeig de Gràcia, Almanac Barcelona is a stylish home base for exploring all the Catalan capital has to offer, with just 61 rooms and 30 suites, all of which have either a Juliet balcony, private terrace, or floor-to-ceiling window “cubes” with built-in daybeds that jut out over bustling Gran Via. As one of the city’s few family-owned Spanish hospitality brands, the boutique property prides itself on offering an authentic glimpse into Barcelona. (Just peek the hotel’s art collection, which features work acquired from local galleries.) At the rooftop bar, Azimuth, mingle with locals while taking in views of La Sagrada Familia and Mount Tibidabo. Meanwhile, at the ground-level Virens, chef Rodrigo de la Calle (of Madrid’s El Invernadero fame) crafts plant-forward interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fermented foods like kefir and probiotic drink pairings. (De La Calle was once chef Joël Robuchon’s ‘green cuisine’ consultant, so you know he’s a master at preparing inventive, delicious plant-forward dishes.) The creative dishes spotlight fresh seasonal bounty from local providers and farms surrounding the city—as well as rare and unknown ingredients like carissa plums and white figs.
Did You Know? Renowned perfumer Jimmy Boyd created the hotel’s custom scent.
…and other reasons to book a trip to the UK right now
This morning every news outlet was splashing out the fact that the Great British Pound is at a record low against the US Dollar. Not long ago, the pound was generally hovering around two USD, but today it $1.07 USD to GBP. Even though the UK is always popular (consistently in the top 10 of popular destinations for luxury travelers, as tracked by Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel), here are some suggestions of where and why to head across the pond!
LONDON
London is so lovely in the fall, and without Thanksgiving, their holiday décor and celebration tends to start a bit earlier.
Frieze
Frieze London is October 12-16 and will bring together over 280 galleries from 42 countries, with specially curated sections celebrating the city’s creative spirit. The Frieze at The Bloomsbury package includes accommodation for 2 people, full English breakfast for two, and two tickets to FRIEZE London.
City & Country with Belmond
Experience both the bustle of London and the serenity of Oxfordshire, starting with two nights at The Cadogan, a stylish retreat in the heart of Chelsea. The hotel has a rich history and is perfectly positioned for some luxury shopping, visiting museums and nights at the theatre. Then journey to Oxfordshire in style and experience the rural beauty of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a honey-hued manor nestled in lush gardens (and home to Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred restaurant).
o Guests at The Cadogan also have exclusive access to Gladwell & Patterson, a family-run art gallery in stylish Knightsbridge. Full of fine oil paintings, watercolors and sculptures by leading artists, it’s an oasis of calm and culture dating back to 1752 (and was frequently visited by Vincent Van Gogh).
Stay in a sculpture
The Beaumont’s ROOM is both a sculpture by artist Antony Gormley and a bookable suite. The bedroom occupies the interior of a giant, semi-abstract sculpture that dominates the entrance of the hotel. The mysterious, cave-like space encourages guests to withdraw for a meditative pause and good night’s sleep.
o With the Stay and Dine offer, guests can book an overnight stay at The Beaumont and treat themselves to a Colony Grill Room lunch or dinner for two from £865 (Per room, per night, including Full English Breakfast, three-course lunch or dinner in The Colony and taxes – this rate is for a regular room, not the ROOM sculpture).
Around the World in 80 Days
The Kensington hotel just introduced a the ‘80 Days Around The World’ Afternoon Tea experience, the first in a series of adventurous seasonal teas at the hotel, drawing inspiration from the worldly travels of Phileas Fogg – the protagonist in Jules Verne’s 1872 novel “Around the World in Eighty Days.” This new tea celebrates his journey through a menu of savory amuse-bouche, sandwiches, desserts and scones. Available from September 26 (and with gluten-free and vegan options) the first leg of the journey will whisk guests to cities across Europe and into the Middle East. The menu starts in London, represented by a classic beef pie with a puff pastry top, travels onward to mainland Europe with a Parmesan Gougere filled with tomato cream, then onto Ta’ameya (falafel) with tahini oil – a Cairo streetfood classic. Traditional sandwiches follow, with a menu comprising London’s much-loved lemon and chive cream cheese with smoked salmon, Parisian mustard mayo with ham and pickled gherkin, Italian sundried tomatoes with green pesto and mozzarella and Egyptian cumin houmous with caramelised onions sandwiches. Fresh fruit, plain scones served with seasonal homemade jams, and clotted cream will also be on offer. Continuing to take guests on a journey across the globe, highlight desserts include Banoffee Pie, French Opera Mont Blanc, Italian Tiramisu and Egyptian Raspberry, Rose and Pistachio Twirl dessert.
SCOTLAND
The Fife Arms in Braemar, 15-minute drive from Balmoral Castle, is excited to announce the inaugural Braemar Literary Festival (October 7-9) that will bring together locals, hotel guests and literary lovers alike. The festival is being held in collaboration with The Royal Reading Room. Inspired by the reading list of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, the digital hub launched in 2021 to connect communities around the world to celebrate all forms of literature. Braemar Literary Festival is co-curated by actor and broadcaster Genevieve Gaunt, who has penned book reviews for The Spectator, the oldest surviving weekly magazine in the world. Additional supporters of the event include the British food writer and critic Tom Parker Bowles, St. Margaret’s performance, arts and heritage venue in Braemar, and local cultural partners. The two-day event will explore the creative use of words and text in their broadest sense, celebrating the works of bestselling authors alongside visual artists, spoken word performers, singer-songwriters, scriptwriters, critics and publishers alike, reflecting the many ways in which the ’literary’ creatively enhances our lives. Highlights from the weekend will include: a three-course dinner by Michelin-starred Angela Hartnett who was awarded an OBE (most excellent order of the British empire) for her services to hospitality and to the NHS (National Health Service) during the pandemic; as well as intimate conversations with Dave Broom, a Scottish whiskey expert and writer; Vicki Perrin, director of the Royal Reading Room; Dr. Frank Tallis, a writer and clinical psychologist; and Sam Leith, literary director of The Spectator.
Washington, DC
The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned luxury hotel group with a 60-year history, is delighted to launch its inaugural celebration of the Group’s proud Irish Heritage at The Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. The Collection, which comprises eight landmark properties in Dublin, Cork, London and Bristol, is proud to showcase its rich identity, grounded in authentic Irish hospitality and warmth, throughout the month of March, coinciding with the feast of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. Over the course of this celebration, The Dupont Circle will introduce visitors, guests, neighbors and seasoned regulars to a veritable treasure trove of luxury Irish produce and customs throughout the hotel and its iconic bar and restaurant offering.
The Doyle Collection is a tapestry richly woven – made up of years of experience in warm hospitality, rooted in family and Irish storytelling, local community, iconic architecture, engaged conversation, distinct artwork and individuality. Its story is unique, varied, and ever-changing – always based on the foundation of delivering an exceptional experience for guests.
At Doyle Bar…
Martin Brudnizki designed the chic and club-like bar looking out over Dupont Circle. Throughout the month of March, there will be Irish whiskey tasting flights on the menu (including hard-to-find tipples like Greenspot and Midelton Very Rare – served on a map of Ireland), as well as delectable Irish coffee prepared tableside. On the sprawling outdoor terrace, diners will be transported to Dublin with the classic Irish delicacy of Guinness and Oysters available all month – and champagne, too! There will also be an Irish Wine Geese menu with Pinot Noir from Chile and Chardonnay from Napa, among others. (“Wine Geese” is the term given to the Irish who left Ireland to become successful winemakers in Europe.)
At The Pembroke
The light-flooded restaurant with its bold, diagonal striped floor and cheery salmon banquettes – also designed by Brudnizki – will be serving Irish specialties alongside its regular menu. Guests can expect braised Hereford beef in Guinness with herb dumplings, Cashel Blue cheese with honey & walnut soda bread, and Five Farms’ Affogato with Irish Butter Shortbread. And of course, a Full Irish Breakfast will be available daily.
Guest rooms and Suites
Nightly turndown for guests will include a few lines of poetry from famous Irish poets, and guests booking suites will also be delighted with Irish whiskey and shortbread as a welcome treat upon check-in.
Notes to Editor: Each hotel within The Doyle Collection possesses a unique warmth and pervasive atmosphere of Irish hospitality - imbuing the spaces with the familiarity of a members’ club and the intimacy of a beautifully appointed private home. The recent complete refurbishment of The Dupont Circle follows in the footsteps of a similar reimagining of The Doyle Collection’s other luxury hotels in the UK and Ireland, including The Westbury, an award-winning hotel in Dublin, and The Bloomsbury, The Kensington and The Marylebone in London. Like its sister hotels, The Dupont Circle now exudes an urbane and European sensibility while remaining decidedly part of its vibrant and bustling neighborhood. The new design concept has been the vision of Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection and daughter of PV Doyle, founder of the eponymous hotel group. Mrs. Gallagher is personally invested in the design of each property – suffusing them with a unique sense of style and place in their local community.
Rates start at $325 in March
As of July 19 and August 2, both Ireland and the U.K, respectively, began welcoming U.S. tourists. Fully vaccinated Americans can now travel to both countries without having to quarantine. The development is welcome news – according to Wanderlist, the free social site for travel planning from luxury travel agency network Virtuoso, both Ireland and Scotland are among the top 10 locales affluent travelers are dreaming of. The border openings come just in time for exciting autumn news from the British Isles.
ENGLAND
Last month, The Beaumont in Mayfair emerged from a renovation led by Thierry Despont (Claridge’s, Ritz Paris, The Chatwal New York). The architecturally protected, Grade II-listed property has retained its Art Deco aesthetic (for which Despont is also known) while incorporating influences from London, Paris and New York. The common spaces have a fresh look, including the lobby, bar, restaurant and gym. New additions include the Mayfair Suite and the terrace where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks from 8am until 8pm. Guests can expect lots of leather, velvet, bronze and mahogany and neutral cream tones mixed with chocolate, deep reds and golds.
The Kensington, a collection of four adjoining Victorian townhouses in the heart of South Kensington, reopened last spring following a refurbishment including several brand new suites. After an increased interest in long-stay guests looking for a London home base, these suites were reconfigured to enhance the feeling of a luxurious and carefully curated home, using elements and original features of the townhouse to inform the redesign. Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection, worked with London design studio Timothy Matter on the new design featuring bold Thibaut wallpaper and pops of color.
Guests can now experience the best of city & country with Belmond’s ‘Town and Country’ package combining two nights at The Cadogan – the British brand’s first London address with private access to the Cadogan Estate Gardens – and one night at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a 15th-century manor in the English countryside. A one-and-a-half-hour limousine transfer from London to Oxfordshire is followed by dinner for two at Le Manoir’s two Michelin-star restaurant by chef patron Raymond Blanc featuring organic produce grown in the on-site property’s gardens.
All aboard British Pullman, A Belmond Train for an exclusive culinary experience this fall. This October, the day train will journey roundtrip from London Victoria Station through the English countryside while guests indulge in a delicious brunch. On arrival in Oxfordshire, an unforgettable three-course lunch will be served by Raymond Blanc, founder of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel. The ride home will be accompanied by a selection of Great British cheeses and dessert.
How to get there: Most major U.S. cities have nonstop flights to London on British Airways, Delta, American and United. JetBlue launched flights to London Heathrow from New York’s Kennedy Airport on August 11 and will begin flying to London Gatwick on September 29.
SCOTLAND
The Fife Arms, the 19th-century hunting lodge in Braemar, is owned by art world power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth and debuted in November 2018 to much fanfare (Prince Charles attended the opening). The Highland hotel recently lifted the veil on a new whisky bar, Bertie’s, inspired by Queen Victoria’s extravagant and hedonistic heir. The bar offers 365 whiskies from Scotland and around the world, curated with the help of World Atlas of Whisky author Dave Broom, and will soon launch two of its own exclusive whiskies. On-the-ground experiences include flights, tastings, and tours of local distilleries, led by Whisky Ambassador Katy Fennema. Those who aren’t traveling there immediately can still bring a piece of the destination home. Thanks to the Fife Arms’ online shop, guests and fans can find a custom tartan or tweed design gift box, afternoon tea set, and the Fife Arms coffee table book from Phaidon. The latest addition is perhaps the most exciting, though. The new collection for dogs includes a coat, bone, collar and leash, all made with the hotel’s house tweed. What better gift for dog lovers or man’s best friend?!
In partnership with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, guests of Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train will enjoy a private tour of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Glen Ord; a specialist single cask whisky tasting with the dedicated whisky ambassador; and a tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society headquarters. Back on board, guests can choose from over 50 whiskies to enjoy while gazing out over the countryside in the Observation Car before taking home a year-long membership to Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Next available journeys depart on October 4, 2021; July 20, 2022; and August 22, 2022.
How to get there: There are direct flights to Edinburgh (2 hours from the hotel) from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., on United, Delta and American. Travelers stopping over in London can fly to the nearest airports, which are Aberdeen (1 hour 15 minutes), Dundee (1 hour 25 minutes), and Inverness (1 hour 55 minutes).
IRELAND
After skipping trick-or-treating last year, parents can make it up to their kids with a memorable Halloween in a real castle! Dromoland Castle in County Clare will offer family passes to nearby Bunratty Gold Park, which is home to a magical fairy trail, and host spooky activities including a group treasure hunt around the grounds and, of course, pumpkin carving. The tradition actually dates back to Irish immigrants who used to carve turnips. In fact, the name, jack-o’-lantern, comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. In the old days, people would carve scary faces into turnips and potatoes and place them in windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits.
Dromoland Castle has also crafted a special Thanksgiving week. Imagine roaring fires, fine whiskeys, woodland walks, falconry, golf and the best of local Fall produce in a traditional feast including roast Irish turkey and delicious Irish pumpkin pie. Along with the family-style Thanksgiving dinner, guests at the castle will enjoy additional themed activities including wreath decorating, golf clinic, shopping trips and board games. Calligraphy classes are set to inspire guests with tips and ideas to bring beautiful handwritten notes and holiday cards to the next level. Transfers to and from the Dublin Airport and Antigen tests before returning home are also included. The package is offered from Tuesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 28 and prices start at €5,500 EUR per couple based on a Deluxe room category.
How to get there: There are direct flights to Dublin (2.5 hours from the hotel) from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., on United, Delta, American and Aer Lingus.
Welcome to the latest issue of AM/PM NEWS. We’re confident you’ve treated your moms to indulging treats earlier this month and have brilliant ideas for dads (friendly reminder: June 20 is father’s day). But how about self-gifting?! We shared some well-deserved, travel-inspired options for you – and your four-legged friends – that are only a click away. As travelers are looking to get their hands dirty and immerse in nature more than ever, we picked top foraging experiences from New England to Europe to Africa. We hear someone has a big birthday coming up: 245, that is. What better place to celebrate it from than Washington, D.C.?! Even though the Summer Olympics will look and feel different this year, we are inspired by all the athletes as well as a chef who knows a thing or two about an Olympian diet (hint: 6,000-seat Olympic Village cafeteria in Athens). There are so many city hotels we love, but for this issue, we highlighted three favorites that offer something a bit extra with their outdoor spaces.
TREAT YOURSELF:
The new exclusive dog collection from the Fife Arms in Scotland might convince everyone to own a dog. All made with the house tweed, created by Scottish textile designer Araminta Campbell, the selection includes a chic coat (£32.50), almost-too-pretty-to-chew bone (£12.50), and a wool and leather leash (£35). As a way to give back to the restaurant workers across Napa Valley, author Jess Lander and Feed Napa Now (a coalition feeding families across the region) have teamed up to create The Essential Napa Valley Cookbook ($39.95). If you love coffee as much as we do, try the sustainable custom blend by Nayara in Costa Rica, created in collaboration with master roaster Ken Palmer, who trained alongside Alfred Peet of Peet’s Coffee ($28 for 500g).
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE:
Even though it has gained Instagram-worthy attention in recent years, foraging was a way of life for our ancestors. Going back to basics require expertise, so consider: Dromoland Castle in Ireland for a hands-on lesson in harvesting seaweed; distill essential oils with a medical nutrologist at UXUA in Trancoso; explore the Scottish Highlands with Fife Arms’ in-house forager for plants that can be transformed into teas; turn to andBeyond’s guides on the Masai Mara for wild flora that will do wonders for a toothache; or learn how to shock an oyster in Nantucket, where Retsyo Oysters are cultivated just 300 yards away from The Wauwinet hotel on the northeast shore.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA:
When America celebrates its 245th birthday this July, the capital has myriad options for history buffs and curious minds alike of all ages. Check out the recently-renovated Martin Luther King, Jr. Library as well as the 4700-piece, 100-year-old Phillips Collection. Where to Stay? The Dupont Circle, where interior architect Martin Brudnizki and Irish designer Clodagh are behind the new look, offers hand-picked ‘Slice of the City’ experiences that range from “24 Hours In” to special exhibitions. For an Instagram-dream, outdoor cocktail indulgence, check out Doyle Bar’s new terrace instillation by The House of Suntory. One of our favorites from the special cocktail menu by the famed Japanese spirits brand is ‘ice cream parlor’ with Haku vodka, passion fruit and Morenko’s honey lavender ice cream.
GOLD MEDAL GOES TO:
Kalesma is the newest opening in Mykonos. The suite and villa property, where each accommodation has unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea, is the only hotel in the world with Rick Owens furniture, welcoming guests at the lobby. In addition to the bread oven, giving a nod to more than 70 types of bread in Greece, Chef Costa Tsingas, former executive chef in charge of Greek food at the Olympic village for the Athens Olympics, focuses on extremely traditional raw materials and cooking techniques for light and ingredient-centered dishes. His pantry essentials include oregano, gigantes (beans), honey, yogurt, stafides (raisins and currants), krokos (saffron), ambelofila (grape leaves), phyllo, kefalotyri, manouri and feta cheese, and of course, olive oil and olives. The hotel’s wine collection has some rare options, including Pure Santorini 2014 and Thalassitis vythismenos Gaia 2015.
CITY HOTELS WE LOVE:
Beyond the far flung and remote destinations, cities will also make a comeback. Especially those that offer privacy, extra space and outdoor offerings. Royal Mansour in Marrakech is a quiet retreat near many cultural institutions, including Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Guests are welcomed with an open-air courtyard, nearly four acres of lush gardens and private multi-story riads (not your typical hotel room here) with rooftop plunge pools dotted along petal-pink pathways. London is always a good idea! When the city reopens, Americans might be lured with Belmond’s address in the city, The Cadogan, with its exclusive access to the private 8.5-acre Cadogan Estate Gardens — one of the largest garden squares in Chelsea and home to acres of sunny lawns, sculptures, a ‘pollinator meadow’, tennis courts and a playground. When La Réserve Geneva, the first hotel under the La Réserve brand (others are in Paris, Ramatuelle, Zurich), opened its doors in 2003, it was an unexpected newcomer to the city due to its tucked-away location and design. The property is located on a 10-acre park on the shores of Lac Léman. Its interiors, designed by Jacques Garcia, are inspired by an African game reserve, with animal print carpets and sculpted elephant heads.