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.
From strolling the gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show to playing the Kilted Open golf tournament in Scotland to relaxing on the coast of Sardinia at Belmond’s newest opening, our top destinations for May are below!
London, UK
There’s no better time to stroll through London’s streets than in May when the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers begin to bloom. Everyone says that April showers bring May flowers – London is certainly no exception. The city’s annual Chelsea Flower Show is a world-renowned event for garden enthusiasts, showcasing breathtaking floral displays and innovative garden designs. Visitors can also learn from expert horticulturalists and explore the latest gardening trends. Stay in the heart of Chelsea at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London. During the show, stunning floral displays will frame the property’s front door and guests are invited to experience various flower-themed offerings including botanical cocktails and a floral-inspired afternoon tea by star pâtissier Benoit Blin. The property also offers early access to London’s oldest botanical garden and private tennis courts in Cadogan Place Gardens year-round.
Costa Smeralda, Italy
Italy topped Virtuoso’s top Honeymoon, Family and Global Destinations lists for 2024 and there’s no better place to experience Italy in May than Costa Smeralda. Located on the island of Sardinia, the coastal area boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes and pristine white sand beaches that have been enjoyed by celebrities such as the Clooneys, the Obamas and Elton John. Luxury hotel brand Belmond is joining the fun with the opening of Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda at the end of the month. The property overlooks Costa Smeralda’s most picturesque coastline and is located on the alluring white beach of Spiaggia Del Romazzino. Conceived by Aga Khan in the 1960s and designed by famed architect Michele Busiri Vici, the hotel cultivated a reputation as Sardinia’s original beach hotel. Upon its reopening as a Belmond hotel, Romazzino will offer enchanting guest rooms including suites and villas, wellness facilities, artisanal experiences and two shimmering blue pools along a stretch of private beach to complete the villeggiatura experience.
Barcelona, Spain
Experience un día perfecto in Barcelona during the month of May with less tourists, milder temperatures and longer days. Stroll comfortably through the captivating Gothic Quarter, take stunning pictures of Sagrada Familia or enjoy line-free tapas at the city’s top foodie spots. Music lovers can get tickets for Primavera Sound, the city’s largest music festival starting on May 30th with Lana Del Rey, SZA, and Charli XCX on this year’s lineup. Between food, location and experiences, there’s no better place to experience the Catalonian capital than Almanac Barcelona. The property is located just off the Passeig de Gràcia and boasts a rooftop bar with a plunge pool and 360º views of the city, a plant-forward restaurant with a focus on fermented foods and probiotic drink pairings and a solo traveler package for any single travelers. To keep up with traveler demand this summer, United is launching its new daily flight route from San Francisco in May, marking the airline’s first time connecting the two cities. American Airlines will also join the fun with a new nonstop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to debut in June.
Napa Valley, CA
When travelers think of Napa Valley, they think of wine, but the region also offers a growing vibrant music scene. Come May, this stretch of Northern California will welcome the 11th annual BottleRock, one the country’s top music festivals with artists, including Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, The Offspring, Nora Jones and Spanish rock veterans Mana. The three-day event, May 24-26, will have over 75 acts with stars from across half a century of music. In addition to performances, visitors can expect culinary experiences by Michelin-starred restaurants (La Toque and Press to name a few) and vino tastings by Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Valley’s sparkling powerhouse. (This is wine country after all.)
Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The best way to enjoy Scotland in the summer is wearing a kilt while golfing, obviously. While the first recorded golf game was established in Scotland in the 15th century, golf enthusiasts can still book a spot at the Kilted Open (May 17-19), an annual tournament celebrating held in partnership with The Fife Arms hotel. Players are encouraged to wear kilts and come with an impressive team name; the best name wins a prize! The first half of the weekend is held at the historic Braemar Golf Club (1902) in the Cairngorms National Park, where players have the chance to swing their clubs while being watched over by golden eagles, stags and other rare wildlife. New this year, guests have the exclusive opportunity to play golf on the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852. On Sunday, players are brought to the Royal golf course to play nine holes, followed by a BBQ lunch prepared by the Balmoral team using produce from the estate. The place to stay while enjoying Scotland’s most famous sporting export is none other than the event’s hotel partner, The Fife Arms. A celebratory weekend package is now available and includes a two-night stay, a wine pairing dinner, 9th-hole refreshments, 19th-hole BBQ and drinks, and more.
Nantucket, MA
Warmer weather and fewer crowds make visiting Nantucket in May the perfect destination for an idyllic island getaway. The highlight of Nantucket in May is the 26th annual Nantucket Wine Festival, a four-day festival taking place from May 15th to 19th. The festival will showcase an impressive lineup of world-renowned winemakers and chefs, as well as tasting events and educational seminars. White Elephant Resorts will sponsor the Grand Cru Festival and host the keynote event, the Grand Tastings, where guests can sample more than 600 different wines from over 150 wineries around the world. For a quiet retreat with no shortage of award-winning culinary options, stay at The Wauwinet on the northeast end of the island. The property is home to TOPPER’s, the consecutive Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” recipient for the past 27 years. It has the largest wine cellar on the island and a multi-million-dollar wine collection. Guests staying at The Wauwinet can tour the cellar and enjoy a wine-paired dinner at TOPPER’s, the perfect pairing with the wine festival. The Wauwinet offers a festival package allowing guests to book the Louis Roederer Wine Dinner curated by Chef Kyle, featuring delightful champagne and Camille ‘Hommage’ varietals [Jetblue and Delta nonstop flights from Laguardia to Nantucket start up again in May for the season].
Park Hyatt Tokyo is pleased to announce Ben Wheeler as New York Grill & Bar’s Chef de Cuisine. In his new role, Chef Ben brings his culinary passion and creativity to one of Tokyo’s most iconic restaurants.
Born in the United Kingdom, Chef Ben was raised in the Buckinghamshire countryside. From a young age, he felt he belonged in the kitchen and was fascinated experimenting with basic ingredients and turning them into something delicious. His fondest childhood memories were making pastries and cakes with his grandmother.
Chef Ben began his culinary career at The Stag at Mentmore, followed by the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Trinity Square London. Thereafter he joined as Chef de Cuisine at Grand Hyatt Kuwait and Atlantis The Royal Dubai as a member of their pre- opening teams.
Japan has always intrigued Chef Ben, from its food, to cars and particularly the culture. He is fascinated by Japanese trends, both modern and traditional, and most of all, the attention to detail and dedication to perform any task artistically and efficiently. Chef Ben’s dream was to move to Japan and immerse himself in its culture, experiencing all five senses throughout the country and particularly the sense of taste and smell.
Food consumes most of Chef Ben’s time, both professionally and personally. During his leisure time, you can find him reading cookbooks and trying new restaurants and bars. In joining Park Hyatt Tokyo, Chef Ben said, “It is an honor to join Park Hyatt Tokyo, with its long history of setting international luxury hotel standards in Japan, both in culinary and service. I look forward to continuing New York Grill & Bar’s story and learning from the Japanese culinary team, while sharing my experiences and new ideas.”
After the completion of scheduled building maintenance, New York Grill & Bar will reopen on April 1, 2024. From April 15 to 18, 2024, Chef Ben welcomes Australia’s Rockpool Bar & Grill’s Executive Chef Santiago Aristizabal for a special four-hands culinary collaboration creating a unique six-course dinner menu. Colombian-born Chef Santiago Aristizabal joined Rockpool Bar & Grill in 2009 and quickly proved himself to be an integral member of the culinary team as his career progressed from Sous Chef to Head Chef to his current position overseeing all three Rockpool Bar & Grill in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The limited dinner menu is priced at JPY55,000 per person, including consumption tax and subject to a 15% service charge. Reservations are required. For reservations, please contact New York Grill & Bar at (+81-3) 5323 3458 or visit NEW YORK GRILL | Park Hyatt Tokyo.
About Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, global travelers with a refined home-away-from-home. Guests of Park Hyatt hotels receive quietly confident and personalized service in an enriching environment. Located in several of the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with understated luxury. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, world-renowned artwork and design, rare and immersive culinary experiences, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 44 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bangkok, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Changbaishan, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kyoto, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, New York, Ningbo, Niseko, Paris, Saigon, Sanya, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Siem Reap, St. Kitts, Suzhou, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington, D.C., Zanzibar, and Zurich. For more information, please visit parkhyatt.com. Follow @ParkHyatt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #LuxuryIsPersonal.
2023 might be behind us, but we are mindful that global news will continue to have an impact locally and beyond borders. We hope that the new year brings health, peace, happiness – and if we can add a bit of joy through travel, that would fulfill our wish for 2024.
We will continue to focus on news from our favorite destinations, hotels, resorts, trains and ships. Have ideas, thoughts and opinions on what you’d like to read more (or less) about? Drop us a line and let us know.
Destination of the Month: London
Visiting Britain’s capital is exciting no matter what time of year, but this year, the city bursts into 2024 with particular panache, especially when it comes to art and culture. The acclaimed show “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” (through Feb. 25 at the V&A) is sold out, but The Kensington has a special package that grants guest two tickets, as well as a coffee table book about the style icon who famously said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” One presumes the late French designer Thierry Despont would have agreed with this sentiment. Under his tutelage, The Beaumont, one of Mayfair’s most stylish addresses with 29 new rooms and a revamped top suite, The Roosevelt, with gorgeous, Art Deco-inspired interiors.
Across town in the heart of Chelsea, meanwhile, at the Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, star pâtissier Benoît Blin has infused that classic tradition of British tea with signature French flair and a focus on seasonality and unique flavor profiles (look for a la religieuse, cream-filled choux buns that have, incidentally, been a favorite challenge on The Great British Bakeoff). For arguably even more intrigue than even a competitive baking show, L’oscar, the Michel Reybier Hospitality Collection’s boutique property, takes the concept of hotel-as-theater to a new level. Housed in a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church, the hotel was reimagined by impresario Jacques Garcia, a lover of dark velvets and mirror-gilded interiors.
If more high-drama is what you’re after, then get thee to the Donmar Warehouse where David Tennent (Dr. Who for fans of his big-screen persona) is busy bringing down the house in the Scottish play. For guaranteed tickets to this show, check in at The Bloomsbury, housed in a redbrick Edwin Lutyens-designed building and infused with literary spiritedness, particularly in the Seamus Heaney Library, home to many first editions and 20th-century classics. The “Macbeth Package” (available until Feb. 10) includes dinner and bubbly for two—useful fortification prior to seeing this intense production.
And if all this urban stimulation has you hankering for a jaunt into the British countryside, mark your calendars: in February, the lovingly restored British Pullman, A Belmond Train, will reprise its extremely popular Moving Murder Mystery experience (calling all sleuths) and, later in the month, travel to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire for a sumptuous lunch at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant there.
ampr Quiz: And the Oscar Goes To…
…well, we don’t know yet but for movie buffs, these film lore–infused hotels should be on your radar. Can you guess the hotel or resort described in the hints below?
- This property is where Bob Marley recovered following his attempted assassination in the 70s, an event that will be depicted in the soon-to-be-released movie, One Love.
- This languorous movie released in 2003 was set largely in a designer hotel and put director Sofia Coppola and the actress Scarlet Johannson on the map.
- The top suite at this hotel on the Italian Riviera honors Ava Gardner, who stayed here while filming Barefoot Contessa.
[A: Island Outpost’s Strawberry Hill in Jamaica B: Lost in Translation, shot at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. C: Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, in Portofino]
Newsflash: Global Hotel Guide for Design Lovers
A new year equals new design resolutions, and where better to gather inspiration than on the road, at those brilliant hotels that pull off that delicate balance between comfort and style. Here are four to keep top-of-mind as you re-envision the places you call home.
This passion project of Wilbert Das (the former Creative Director of Diesel) has grown in scope since it opened in 2009, but at its core, the 13-casa property remains true to its founding principles, committed to sustainability and community impact, as well as cutting-edge design. Its “five-mile radius” philosophy includes all materials, resulting in ultra-creative, locally made furniture and fixtures. Case-in-point: the much-copied eucalyptus shower heads that are stylish and sustainable.
Designed by powerhouse Brazilian duo Fernando and Humberto Campana, this hotel is a marvel of modernity. Look for artworks by heavyweights such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger (owner Dakis Joannou is one of the world’s leading collectors of contemporary art) as well as the Campana Brothers’ iconic furniture designs, including their Favela chair.
Located inside the walls of the medina, this hotel remains a show-stopper of a master class in Moroccan architecture, artisanship and gardens. 2024 will see a sister property opening in Casablanca, creating an exciting duo destination for style aficionados and culture seekers.
Mark your calendars for February’s Modernism Week (Feb 15-25) when the city of Palm Springs will host a show with more than 100 dealers, as well as open up iconic homes for tours, talks and events. There is no better place to stay than The Parker Palm Springs, the Jonathan Adler–designed desert oasis set on 13 acres. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of a 1960s-era movie set, with throwback glamor, a fabulous restaurant and sexy adults-only swimming pool. In short, a great spot from which to ponder all your design goals for 2024.
Trending: Worth the Long Flight
Let’s face it – the days of glamorous air travel are long gone (unless you can secure a seat in the revamped first classes of a handful of airlines). Luckily, there are also those destinations that transport you as soon as you step off the plane, blissfully overwriting the memories of any discomfort in the getting there. Here are five of these memory lapses.
Bhutan: Go for…the newly opened andBeyond Punakha River Lodge, with six tented suites and incredible access to experiences like rafting, kayaking and hikes with a backdrop of the Himalayas. Getting There: Direct flights from New Delhi, Bangkok (and others)
Maldives: Go for…Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, an eco-luxe resort with a serious angle on sustainability, as evidenced in chef Hari Govindaraj’s comprehensive plant-forward menus. Thanks to a proliferation of activities as well as serene spaces (like the stunning spa), Gili Lankanfushi is great for honeymooners/couples and families. Getting There: Direct flights from Dubai, London, Frankfurt, Bangkok (and others)
Japan: Go for…some of the world’s best snow and skiing, including thirty miles of trails. The ultimate ski-in/ski-out hotel — Park Hyatt Niseko — has suites with terraces and private onsens (hot springs) for soaking in the panoramas. Getting There: Sapporo (the closest airport) is serviced directly from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul Taipei and Hong Kong (among others)
South Africa: Go for…rediscovering what’s new in Cape Town, an evolving art and fashion city, and check in at the soon-to-turn 125 years Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. The hotel’s afternoon tea is legendary, in part thanks to Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first expertly-trained tea sommelier who helps select among 60 different varieties. Getting There: Direct flights from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London, Frankfurt (among many other)
Singapore: Go for…catching the relaunch of the fabled Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, with 15 restyled carriages that feel more like hotel suites than train compartments. Departing from Singapore and with an itinerary that includes snorkeling in Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a trip to the Taman Negara National Park, one of the world’s most ancient rainforests at 130 million years. Getting There: Direct flights from London, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo (and many others)
Great Expeditions: Slow Travel
Exploring the world’s most delicate ecosystems requires a light touch, which is why Aqua Expeditions embraces a slow, thoughtful way of travel. Charting a luxurious passage on Southeast Asia’s longest river across Cambodia and Vietnam, the 205-foot Aqua Mekong travels at a speed of 6-7 knots, allowing for a slow-paced experience. A three-night Mekong Discovery sailing will either head upriver in Cambodia by exploring the Tonle Sap River, or downriver between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh, while a four-night Explorer cruise will sail upriver from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, past floating villages and gilded pagodas. For a deep-dive into the destination, the seven-night Mekong Expedition cruise includes more time on the Cambodia stretch of the Mekong, which is virtually untouched by tourists.
AM/PM Newsflashes:
- Costa Rica: Nayara Gardens, the first hotel of the Nayara Resorts group, will reopen in January 2024 following a complete rebuild of all the accommodations. Newly-named Arenal Casitas will feature a private deck and a plunge pool, with indoor and outdoor showers enveloped in the lush surrounding rainforest (which also happens to be a sloth sanctuary). A spa renovation is also in the works.
- Nantucket: Nantucket’s Cottages at the Boat Basin, overlooking the famous harbor, will unveil a six-month multi-million-dollar renovation in April 2024. Drawing on the island’s rich seafaring history dating back to the 19th century, Nantucket-based designer Audrey Sterk will infuse new life into 29 Cottages, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom lofts. A dozen of the accommodations, dubbed “Woof Cottages,” will continue to welcome those traveling with pets.
- Greece: Furniture wunderkind Rick Owens has entered into his first-ever hotel partnership with Kalesma, a suite and villa-only property in Mykonos, Greece. Owens’s effortlessly cool work is displayed in the lobby, while the rooms feature original artwork by Serbian artist Aleksandar Vac, whose ceramics evoke traditional Cycladic minimalistic forms.
Partnerships between fashion houses and luxury hospitality brands are this season’s epitome of style and innovation. From priority access to UK’s first CHANEL exhibition at the V&A and two treehouse treatment cabins by Dior in Taormina to a curated fashion collection at Royal Mansour Marrakech, here are our top picks for stylish destinations this summer and beyond.
Belmond unveiled a partnership with Dior for a new wellness experience in the legendary gardens of Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina, in celebration of the iconic property’s 150-year anniversary. Available until October, the hotel’s storied gardens welcome two Dior treehouse treatment cabins perched in the majestic cypress trees, offering guests and visitors exclusive skincare treatments in a verdant oasis, overlooking the sea.
The Kensington hotel in London has created the ultimate fashionista’s stay with a package including access to the new Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto Exhibition Experience at the V&A Museum. Honoring one of the most influential fashion icons of all time, the property’s new offering includes two untimed tickets to the exhibit, giving guests the chance to journey through the world of Coco Chanel at their own speed. The special begins in September and includes breakfast on top of the tickets, while suite bookings also include a special gift of the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto Coffee Table book.
Opening on August 3, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel in Riviera Maya has been carefully reimagined with Mayan design, traditions, and culture at the forefront, including collaborations with local luxury artisans. The property partnered with socially conscious brand Collectiva Concepción on traditional Manta staff uniforms and in-room guest kaftans that have been hand-embroidered by female artisans in Chiapas. In addition, the Mexico City-based fragrance brand Xinú created a custom scent and bath amenities inspired by the regional Amate tree, the scent of clay, mystical incense, and lemon.
Guests of La Réserve Ramatuelle have priority access to La Réserve à La Plage, a prestigious seaside beach club just a 10-minute ride from St. Tropez. This year, La Réserve à La Plage collaborated with LVMH-owned Loro Piana to bring the brand’s iconic colors and patterns to the beach. Guests can live amongst the designs on umbrellas, beach towels, mats, and at the bar-restaurant with the option to bring the partnership home with products available at the beach club boutique.
Royal Mansour Marrakech carefully crafted a limited-edition fashion collection with original pieces by Christian Louboutin, John Galliano, and Goyard – each inspired by the property’s design and craftmanship. The collection launched with Christian Louboutin and custom babouche slippers, The Lady Mansour – a pointed-toe flat mule inspired by Royal Mansour’s ornamental moucharabieh, a traditional architectural element of carved wood latticework. British designer John Galliano then created a limited-edition djellaba, a traditional Moroccan robe. Crafted in a local workshop in Rabat using a traditional Berchmane technique, the unisex robe is made of white Japanese cotton and laced with Moroccan embroidery and available in four colors: pear green, ochre yellow, lavender and sea green. Rounding out the collection, Goyard, the luxury French leather goods maker, created a unisex bag, the Arabesque, exclusively for the hotel. The design is inspired from the wrought-iron Moorish latticework found in Royal Mansour’s spa. Each of the limited-edition items can be purchased in the hotel’s boutique.
LONDON
The Beaumont
The Beaumont’s new Terrace offers alfresco drinking and dining for the first time at the property, in an enclosed outdoor terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens. With 1920s-style rattan armchairs and cafe tables enfolded by lush greenery, The Terrace serves drinks alongside salads, sandwiches and light bites from 8am to 8pm, and can be covered and heated in colder weather.
The Dalloway Terrace, The Bloomsbury
Dalloway Terrace, named for Mrs. Dalloway in the Virginia Woolf novel, is an elegant, poetic and quintessentially English space. Fully heated, this year-round destination restaurant and bar offers the peace and charm of a secluded secret garden in the winter, and a light, elegant and beautiful al fresco space in the spring and summer months. Light breakfasts, brunch, afternoon tea and all-day favorites make up the Dalloway Terrace menu, with a range of cocktails and wines also available.
WASHINGTON DC
The Pembroke, The Dupont Circle
The airy Pembroke restaurant situated in the bustling heart of Dupont Circle features American and international classics with the option of al fresco dining. The Pembroke’s beautiful design by Martin Brudnizki features plush velvet coral-toned banquettes around glossy marble tables, cream-paneled walls with playful artwork, and boasts panoramic views of the neighborhood, while its seasonal terrace offers al fresco dining from spring to fall.
ZURICH
La Muña, La Réserve Eden au Lac
La Muña is the crown jewel of La Réserve Eden au Lac, serving Japanese Peruvian specialties alongside an extensive wine and sake list. Accessible via the glass elevator in the hotel lobby, the rooftop overlooks the city of Zurich and offers unique 360-degree views of the lake. One of the two outdoor terraces can be entirely privatized. Whether out in the sun or under the large umbrellas, guests can enjoy a relaxed yet festive atmosphere while looking out over Lake Zurich with the Alps in the distance.
BARCELONA
Azimuth, Almanac Barcelona
At the Azimuth rooftop bar at Almanac Barcelona, mingle with locals while taking in views of La Sagrada Familia and Mount Tibidabo. The panoramic rooftop terrace also features a guest-only pool for cooling off in the summer. On Fridays and Saturday nights, enjoy live music or a DJ for the perfect chill summer vibe.
Rooms available for the coronation of King Charles
The coronation of King Charles is fast approaching! (May 6, 2023!) The new monarchs are planning for a smaller scale celebration than the one for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The city is abuzz with festivities for the big day, and luckily for royal fans this side of the pond, there are still accommodations to be had!
The Bloomsbury, The Marylebone, and The Kensington – the three London hotels from the family-owned Doyle Collection – all have rooms available. To celebrate the coronation, all three have created a series of cocktails inspired by the two things about which King Charles is most passionate: Sustainability and the ‘Best of British’ produce. The Bloomsbury, The Marylebone, and The Kensington have each created one zero-waste cocktail using British spirits and sustainably sourced produce, channeling the English countryside. Think herbaceous Cornish gin, juicy British strawberries and fragrant local Elderflower…
What else is happening at these hotels?
The Great Garden Escape with The Newt and RHS Chelsea Flower Show – available May 26 or 27
- Guests booking this package can enjoy the gardens of the famous RHS Chelsea Flower along with access to The Newt’s invite-only hospitality suite, complete with live music and food, along with cider and wine tasting throughout the day.
- This two-day experience includes a day at The Newt’s Great Garden Escape and a day at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Starting with a First-Class train from London with a freshly baked breakfast onboard, followed by exploring picturesque gardens and ancient woodland, delicious food sourced on property and freshly pressed cider, followed by afternoon tea on the train back to London.
Offer Includes:
- Full English Breakfast
- 2 tickets to The Newt’s Great Garden Escape on 26th or 27th May
- 2 tickets to RHS Chelsea Flower Show and exclusive access to The Newt’s Hospitality suite on May 26th or 27th
A Night at The Donmar
- The Bloomsbury has teamed up with local theater, The Donmar Warehouse. The package starts with a three-course dinner with champagne and then two tickets to the latest show at The Donmar Warehouse in the heart of Seven Dials. Click here to view the latest shows.
This includes:
- Accommodation for 2 people in a suite
- A la carte breakfast each morning
- 3 course dinner and glass of Champagne
- Two tickets to the latest show at The Donmar Warehouse
The Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto Exhibition Experience
- This fall, the Victoria and Albert Museum is hosting the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, charting the establishment of the House of CHANEL and the evolution of her iconic design style which continues to influence the way women dress today.
Guests who book this package at The Kensington will get:
- Full English Breakfast
- 2 untimed tickets to the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition
- Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto Coffee Table book for suite bookings
There are many ways to celebrate moms and caregivers in our lives. The reason why we are fans of the gift of travel is because it packs in culture, adventure, cuisine, and wellness all in one “box.” Here are seven options to consider:
A Great Night’s Sleep
The Beaumont in Mayfair, London is going through a renovation as well as an expansion by Thierry Despont. All the rooms in the existing building will be completely redecorated by early April (apart from The Terrace and The Roosevelt suites as they will be done a little later in the year). And 30 new rooms will be added to the adjacent building in late 2023. The most artful accommodation is Antony Gormley’s inhabitable sculpture, called ROOM. Designed as an experiential work of art, it is a bookable one-bedroom suite. The exterior takes on the shape of a three-story crouching man made of stainless-steel, while the interior is a dark space filled with the smell of fumed-oak, featuring only a single, all-white bed and can be taken to total darknessat the flip of a switch. While the bedroom is just 43 sq. feet, the walls tower at 33-feet high. The unique shape stems from Gormley’s belief that guests should feel cocooned in a space unencumbered by distractions.
Reaching New Heights
Adults-only private island luxury retreat, Nayara Bocas del Toro, in Panama offers two treehouses, designed by sustainability-focused, Bali-based Elora Hardy as her first project in Central America. The solar-powered treehouses are constructed from four varieties of locally-sourced bamboo and 19 varieties of reclaimed 500-year-old, partially petrified hardwoods extracted from the floor of the Panama Canal. The airy dwellings have 21-foot ceilings with a tropical yet pared-down aesthetic, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-air living room that look out over the canopy of the mangrove forest. Outdoor jungle showers and deep soaking tubs invite bathing en plein air, and a pulley system allows for unobtrusive room service. Water is generated from purified rainwater and power from the sun. The resort also features 16 custom overwater villas, a 70-foot freshwater pool, the 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, and the world’s first elevated white sand beach built on stilts over the sea.
Epic Trip Gift
A 1920s Art Deco icon, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is nostalgic of the golden age of travel with its restored vintage carriages. Each of the 17 carriages have a unique history and all of which formed part of many of the famous, historic trains of the 1920s and 1930s, including Le Train Bleu and the Rome Express. There are journeys between some of Europe’s beautiful and historic cities including Paris, Venice, Florence, Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Just once a year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express makes a five-night journey between Paris and Istanbul. Named after the cities to which the train travels, there are Grand Suite options, one of which is aptly named Istanbul to celebrate the route. Amenities include a personal 24-hour cabin steward, free-flowing champagne, in-suite dining and private transfers to and from the train.
New Hotel, New You
The White Elephant, overlooking the harbor, has been an integral part of Nantucket’s history since the 1920s. Built as a series of rustic cottages, the landmark has evolved into the island’s most timeless resort, with a collection of chic accommodations showcasing the very best of the beloved destination. In May 2023, in time with 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.
Surf-Centric Getaway
The birth of modern surfing in the Maldives can be traced back to 1980, when an Australian surfer (who was shipwrecked in the North Malé atoll in 1973) opened the archipelago’s first surf operation. Since then, the country has become one of the world’s most pilgrimage-worthy surf destinations, known for its crisp barrels, consistent swells, and an endless variety of breaks (most of which are accessible by traditional dhoni boats). The best place to hit the waves: Gili Lankanfushi, a private island eco-sanctuary in the North Malé atoll, right around where modern surfing in the Maldives was born. The resort puts guests within striking distance of some of the country’s finest surf breaks, three of which are just a five-minute boat ride away (and many more within 20 minutes). Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal—and in summer, the conditions are optimal. Gili also partners with the luxury surf company Tropicsurf, which offers lessons based on skill level from beginner to advanced.
French Riviera Calling
While St. Tropez has long been a glamours address for film, music and fashion icons, a 15-minute drive brings travelers to a peaceful retreat, overlooking the Cote d’Azur. La Réserve Ramatuelle is an intimate property, featuring 19 suites and 14 villas that are dotted amidst cypress and olive trees and orange groves. The 2023/2024 season will start with Jacque Garcia-redesigned accommodations. This is also an idyllic destination for wellness-minded nature lovers. The multi-day, medically-established Nescens programs are complemented with an emphasis on outdoor fitness. Think guided hikes along the coastline, swimming, and aqua cycling classes in the open-air pool. The hotel has a two Michelin-starred restaurant, La Voile, where dishes adhere to the Mediterranean diet and highlight local, seasonal seafood and fresh produce and herbs alongside healthy fats like avocado and olive oil. Chef Eric Canino doesn’t on sacrifice flavor, though – this is France, after all.
Sustainable Craftswomanship
A gloriously reimagined 19th-century hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands, The Fife Arms takes the concept of an art hotel to an entirely new level. A passion project by gallery power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth (of Zurich’s acclaimed Hauser & Wirth), it is a destination hotel down to its landmarked roots, beautifully weaving together art, community, learning, people, place. One extra special activity for moms is through a local weaver. Helen Jackson forages sustainable willow from the property grounds and can teach guests how to make baskets and fans. Her exquisite products (and much more) are also available at the hotel’s extensive online shop.
From commemorative teas and Royal Warrant shopping guides to zero-waste cocktails
and princess experiences, here are seven hotels getting in on the excitement.
The Beaumont in Mayfair, which will see an extension by Thierry Despont later this year, will offer an in-room “coronation pack” for guests overnighting on Friday, May 5. The contents will include a map of the big day’s events, Union Jack flags, a Union Jack hat, and a commemorative mug. In addition, the afternoon tea for the entire month of May will give a nod to the extraordinary precious and semi-precious stones found in the Crown Jewels with gemstone-hued pastries (think rich ruby red and grassy green of emeralds) that are flavored with the scents of English spring gardens (such as red currants, rose, and elderflower).
L’oscar is housed within a Baroque-style, Grade-II listed former church in Bloomsbury. Taking inspiration from Oscar Wilde, Jacques Garcia (a Michel Reybier favorite who designed La Réserve in Paris and Geneva and is currently working with the brand’s property in Ramatuelle) restored the interiors with sumptuous fabrics and jewel tones while retaining some of the original touches, including two fireplaces with royal Doulton terracotta panels. This is the place for those who would like to be near the theater and shop like a royal. The property under the Michel Reybier Hospitality group (hotels in Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Zermatt, Interlaken) will provide a map of Royal Warrant Holders nearby.
To celebrate the coronation of King Charles, The Doyle Collection’s London properties will create a series of cocktails inspired by the two things about which he is most passionate: Sustainability and the ‘Best of British’ produce. The Bloomsbury, The Marylebone, and The Kensington will each create one zero-waste cocktail using British spirits and sustainably sourced produce, channeling the English countryside. Think herbaceous Cornish gin, juicy British strawberries and fragrant local Elderflower…
In nearby Ireland, Dromoland Castle lets its youngest guests celebrate their owncoronation with their Princess Package. This entails a day of lessons in deportment, song, and traditional dance, a trip to the spa for hair and nails, and culminates with a coronation in the great Kincora Hall with a crown and certificate (and of course a royal afternoon tea!).
The Fife Arms in Braemar, in the heart of Royal Deeside, is the perfect location to mark the historic event. Royal Deeside has a rich and longstanding connection with the Royal family, stemming from the 1850s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert built Balmoral Castle as a family home, just nine miles from the property. Over the coronation weekend, guests will enjoy a special Afternoon Tea including classic Victoria sponge and coronation chicken, picnic at the Highland Games Centre, as well as a Royal whisky tasting in Bertie’s Whisky Bar, featuring a flight of King Charles’ favorite drams.
NEW EXPERIENCES FOR 2023
Hotels are upping their game in guest offerings – here are our favorites coming in 2023
Heli Skiing with Bode Miller
EYOS, the leader in private yacht expeditions, will launch a thrilling new heli-skiing voyage, April 23-30, 2023, hosted by US Olympic alpine ski racer Bode Miller (the most decorated male alpine skier in U.S. history). Guests will head to the island of Maniitsoq on the western coast of Greenland, widely considered one of the most remote places in the world to heli-ski. With the opportunity to book individual cabins on seven-cabin Nansen Explorer (versus chartering the full vessel), this exclusive voyage will be more accessible than ever before.
Custom Grecian Perfume
xenodocheio Milos in Athens 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.
High Tech Spa in the Hamptons
Shou Sugi Ban House – the first wellness retreat in the Hamptons – will launch Shou Sugi Ban Lab in 2023, unveiling a next-generation wellness space that integrates state-of-the-art Western technologies – including biohacking technology and the latest in rehabilitative innovations like electro-magnetic field therapy – with traditional Eastern healing arts practices. Technologies and treatments target three primary issues: longevity and reverse-aging; performance optimization; and recovery and rejuvenation. To augment the existing healing arts practices and wellness treatments, Shou Sugi Ban Lab will offer a new suite of experiences and modalities incorporating high-tech equipment including red light therapy, cryotherapy, thermo-contrast therapy, pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy (PEMF), neuro-acoustic therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), as well as biometric testing and follow-up led by functional medicine experts.
Marine Biology in Paradise
Located in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi takes great strides to protect its rich marine diversity and safeguard its surroundings for generations to come. In early 2023, the resort will launch a new Marine Biology Center, with a dedicated research space and expanded coral regeneration program, where guests can participate in hands-on coral planting, reef cleaning, and study conversation alongside marine biologists.
Back in time in Palm Beach
Addison Mizner, American resort architect, left a stamp on Palm Beach, and most of South Florida with his Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial revival style. Today, his work continues to inspire the region’s architects and designers. The 32-room White Elephant Palm Beach, housed in a landmark building from 1924, is now offering guests a glimpse into the architectural history of Palm Beach. As part of a new two-night package, guests can partake in a 1.5-hour architecture tour of the island led by a representative from the Palm Beach Foundation. Highlights include the 25-foot clock tower at the base of Worth Avenue, Villa Mizner, the architect’s last home, and La Guerida, which was owned by the Kennedy family for more than six decades.
A night at the theater in London
Guests at The Bloomsbury can take advantage of the hotel’s new partnership with The Donmar Warehouse for tickets to the latest shows. When booking the “A night at the Donmar” package, guests get a night in a suite, a three-course dinner with champagne, and two tickets to the latest shows (right now it’s Watch on the Rhine, followed by Trouble in Butetown [a recipient of the Theatre Royal Haymarket Writers Award] from February 10 to March 25, then musical Next to Normal from August 12 to October 7). Also includes a la carte breakfast.
Lobster Diving in Panama
Nayara Bocas del Toro (the newest addition to Nayara Resorts known for its overwater villas and for having the world’s first aerial beach) is debuting a new experience for guests in 2023 unveiling the traditional way to catch a lobster. In a small wooden canoe called a cayuco, guests go out with a local into the nearby lagoon. Then the local guide dives way down to the ocean floor to pluck a lobster and bring it back to the surface. Upon returning to the property, the lobster is cooked in the traditional way – with lots of wood and smoke – and served for dinner in the over-water Elephant House restaurant.
Champagne Wishes en francais
In May 2023, Belmond will debut the three-cabin Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne – the newest luxury river barge in the brand’s Les Bateaux collection. Coquelicot will take guests on a cinematic journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart to offer exclusive access to the first established House of Champagne. Activities will include with a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou onboard the river – the first time Maison Ruinart’s Chef will be cooking a private ‘four hands’ lunch outside of Maison Ruinart – and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard to discover the brand’s latest sustainability initiatives.