Mallorca is an island of contrasts. Little seaside fisherman’s villages and traditional mountain towns with rustic fincas overlook sweeping Mediterranean views and the luxury and pomp of Palma. The largest of the Baeleric islands has an undeniable artistic spirit and the kind of natural beauty that makes you question why you don’t spend every summer here. Its vibrant culture thrums with energy in the city beach towns, while the seemingly infinite olive groves and vineyards of the countryside invite you to experience the Mallorcan way of slow living- the rhythms of daily life that unfold at a deliberate pace: long lunches, late dinners, languid dips in the ocean and siesta in the afternoons.

MALLORCA ITINERARY

PART ONE - SES SALINES & SANTANYI

TO STAY:

Can Ferrereta:

Built in the 17th century, this traditional Mallorcan home and farmhouse was reimagined as a five-star boutique hotel, one where rustic minimalism and restrained luxury reign supreme. Rugged textures- golden sandstone walls and chalky white stucco- are bathed in swaths of natural light, replaced at night by the warm glow of Santa & Cole lamps. The hotel is situated in the center of the small town of Santanyí, looking out over it’s clay-tiled rooftops and terraces. Though it’s only a 10-15 minute drive from the ocean, you’ll be hard pressed to pull yourself away from the secluded property, boasting an impressive collection of contemporary Spanish art, it’s destination fine dining restaurant, Orce, and the tranquil Sa Calma spa.

Average €475 per night.

Hotel Ca’n Bonico: A similar vibe to Can Ferrereta, but at a fraction of the cost. In Ses Salines, an even more quiet village than the neighboring Santanyí, you experience the real local side of Mallorca. This beautifully restored 13th century manor house is surrounded by expansive landscaped grounds full of citrus and olive trees, with a garden-side pool and shady veranda at its center. The rooms are large and comfortable, modern in their amenties, yet leave the historic elements on full display- stone pillars, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings.

Average €195 per night.

DAY ONE:

Arrive in Palma, pick up your rental car, drive to Ses Salines/Santanyí, check in

Lunch: Casa Manolo, Ses Salines

Walk around local boutiques in Santanyí, dip in the hotel pool before dinner

Dinner: Laudat, Santanyí

DAY TWO:

Grab coffee & explore the the Santanyí market, pick up snacks for the beach

Brunch: Xaloc, Cala D’or

Beaches: Cala S’almunia (sunbathing on the rocks and swimming), Caló des Moro (little beach path, snack and more swimming)

Wine & Tapas: La Bodega Mallorca, Cala D’or

Dinner: Manique, Santanyí

Night cap: Sa Cova Bar, Santanyí

DAY THREE/PART TWO - PALMA & DEIA:

Breakfast: Ocre (at your hotel, Can Ferrereta before checking out)

Drive to Palma, visit Fundació Miró Mallorca

Lunch at the Beach Club Gran Folies (alternatively, if you stay in Palma for part of your trip, spend an entire day into evening at this beach club for a full sunbed experience, followed by a sunset dinner and DJ set)

Drive to Valldemossa

Visit the Chopin Museum, take a scenic walk around the village

Drive to Deia, check into your hotel

Dinner: El Olivo at sunset

TO STAY:

La Residencia Belmond Deia: Arguably the most famous and iconic hotel in Mallorca, the Belmond sits among the olive-clad cliffs of the Tramuntana mountains, blending two historic 16th-century stone manors into the ultimate luxury escape. A splurge hotel for a special occasion where sun-drenched rustic charm fills every corner and guests are invited to enjoy multiple panoramic pools. The terraces of the famed restaurant, El Olivo, just might be the most romantic spot for dinner you’ve seen in your life.

Average €1,215 per night.

Es Molí: On a dramatic terraced hillside surrounded by lush botanical gardens, this boutique hotel is classic, authentic Mallorca. More approachable than the Belmond, without sacrificing on amenities or style. Guests can enjoy the spring-fed pool with sweeping views of Deià and the Mediterranean Sea, along with an Al Fresco massage by the pool or on the shaded terraces. Es Molí also boasts a private beach club, Sa Muleta, a secluded rocky cove with a guest-only shuttle, perfect for sunbathing.

Average €398 per night.

DAY FOUR:

Breakfast: Sa Font Fresca

Visit Gres Gallery and shop at Datura Studio Isla

Hike to Cala Deia

Lunch: Ca’s Patró March or Ca’n Lluc on the beach

Spa treatment at La Residencia or Es Molí

Dinner: Sebastián

Night cap: Sa Fonda

DAY FIVE:

Breakfast: Café Miró

Drive back to Palma

Coffee: Sāntal Cafe

Stroll old town Casco Antiguo, see Catedral-Basílica de Santa María De Mallorca

Visit Es Baluard Museu d’art Modern I Contemporani

Lunch: Mercat de Santa Catalina (walk around market sample oysters and tapas)

Glass of wine at Enoteca sa Roteta (in Mercat de Santa Catalina) or Bar La Sang

Adiós!

I was drawn to the hushed magic of Mallorca’s smallest corners: the hidden calas with water so crystal-clear you’ll think its a hallucination, the hilltop stone villages that transport you back to a simpler time, quiet in their preserved primitivity, the museums that house the works of 19th and 20th century creatives, the art depicting the intangible, wild beauty of the surrounding landscapes. I further indulged my love for Spanish food, particularly Catalan cuisine, Mar i Muntanya, sea and mountains, dishes that blend the coastal and agrarian culture, salted cod and grouper, cured sausages- heavy on the garlic and olive oil and always finished off with sweet and tangy citrus from the island’s abundance of citrus groves.

Visiting in the summer inherently meant that my trip would begin with a beeline straight to the ocean, where I stayed in the small town of Ses Salinas in the southeast corner of the island. Here you’re invited to experience authentic, rural Mallorca, where the small town life moves around you away from throngs of tourists, an arms reach from the quintessential Mallorcan beaches. At the Boutique Hotel Ca’n Bonico, you’re instantly treated like a resident, welcomed home and shown to your suite with a private terrace or balcony as you make your way through citrus and olive trees. At the heart of the property, the swimming pool is Mallorcan bliss, the village church’s belltower and the colors of Spanish sunsets as the backdrop. As I wandered out to the pool after getting settled, the server at the poolside bar checked in on me and was quick to offer recommendations, his favorite spots as a local born and raised in Ses Salines. He grabbed a napkin off the bar and scribbled down Casa Manolo, a culinary hidden gem with some of the best tapas and seafood on the island. Sitting al fresco and eating fish caught at the nearby port was the perfect first taste of Mallorca.

A day well spent in the southeast corner of the island begins with the market in the nearby town of Santanyí, a larger village and another beautiful vantage point to base yourself. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, locals from all over the island peruse the outdoor market stalls, colorful tents lined up in the cobblestone squares with endless rows of vendors selling woven beach cover-ups, handmade ceramics, and local delicacies to sample and take along for beach hopping the many calas. I spent an entire day between Cala S’almunia and Caló Des Moro, where you hike the steps and oceanside bluffs, heavy with the scent of jasmine and sprawls of bougainvillea down to the sand or perch up on a flat section of the rocks to sunbathe, jumping into the pure turquoise water on repeat to cool off. At Cala S’almunia, traditional fishing huts made of limestone are built into the cliffsides, looking across at the majestic rock formations and verdant mountainsides. There, floating in the Mediterranean in awe, I tried to pause the moment, becoming nostalgic for it while it was still happening. Something about these secluded coves felt like a privilege to experience, that I had found a rare and special corner of the world.

To understand the diversity of Mallorca’s landscape and its artistic draw, you head west to Palma and the medieval mountaintop villages of Valdemossa and Deià. Just outside of Palma, stop and visit Fundació Miró, a museum that honors the work of the Catalan painter, sculptor and ceramist Joan Miró, an instrumental figure in the Surrealist movement known for his playful and symbolic work and bold use of color. This is not just a gallery— but Miró’s actual working space where he spent the last 30 years of his life, a place full of his spirit and surrounded by nature and light, just as he intended. Stop for lunch at at Beach Club Gran Folies, the impossibly chic restaurant perched on the cliffs of Cala Llamp. Dine on fresh seafood while looking out over the straw-thatched umbrellas and their signature cliffside swimming pool carved directly into the rocks.

From here, venture off to the Tramuntana Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where hairpin turns and elevation change are rewarded with the most incredible views and landscape on the island. Strolling the charming cobblestone streets of Valldemossa and Deià, it becomes clear why they have been a magnet for artists both old and new, the peaceful surroundings become the perfect canvas for quiet contemplation, a retreat for the creative mind so palpable I was inspired by every corner. Visit the Chopin museum in Valldemossa, where he composed several famous pieces, and Gres Gallery in Deià, where Dora Good’s ceramics are intermingled with vintage furniture in a gallery space connected to her studio. The chunky surfaces and patterns of her pieces are informed by the landscape and the free-thinking creative spirit of Deia where she came every summer as a child.

A visit to Deià should include a visit to the Belmond, whether that’s splurging on a stay or dining on the terrace on El Olivo, situated in a beautifully restored 16th‑century olive press at the heart of the property. In classic Belmond style, the resort is housed in two meticulously preserved sixteenth-century manor houses and boasts three pools, a spa, and an in-house art gallery. Head to happy hour at El Olivio at sunset and sample the largest and best olives of your life with a spritz before dining on the Michelin-star tasting menu helmed by Chef Guillermo Méndez.

Before leaving Mallorca, I spent a day in Palma soaking up the rich history and heart of the island. I sipped my cappuccino at Santal, a coffee shop housed inside a 15th-century windmill, and wandered through the vibrant old town of Palma, down narrow winding alleys with colorful buildings and sidewalk cafes on every corner. I stopped to see the monumental Catedral-Basílica De Santa María De Mallorca, where inside you can witness the magnificence of Gaudi, who seamlessly designed the additions to the centuries old Gothic church. I lunched like a local at Mercat De Santa Catalina, savoring my last few tapas and fresh oysters amongst stalls of fresh seafood and cured meats, the marketplace bustling with locals shopping for groceries and friends laughing animatedly over a bottle of wine. A glass at Enoteca Sa Roteta, which specializes in wine made from the local Mallorcan vineyards, is how I kiss Mallorca goodbye.

xx, Jess

When you live in NYC, it’s New York or Nowhere. But sometimes, we’re really craving nowhere—or, rather, literally anywhere where sirens aren’t wailing, where you don’t have to walk 25 mph to narrowly avoid throngs of tourists, and where the stenches of the subway can’t quite reach us.

There’s plenty of great accessible weekend trips from the city, from the Hudson Valley to the Hamptons, with options to travel via train or rental car. But sometimes what you really need is a vacation that doesn’t come with the headache of departing from Grand Central, renting a car in New Jersey, or sitting in hours of mindnumbing Long Island traffic.

We are believers in the power of a good staycation. These are our favorite spots to take a sojourn from the city and reset without ever leaving.

WHERE TO STAY(CATION):

Our favorite hotels to Staycation in the city (that won’t cost you as much as a flight to an actual vacation):

• Hotel Chelsea: a nyc icon! Famous for the many artists that once resided there (Madonna, Bob Dylan, Mark Twain, and Andy Warhol, to name a few), the historic hotel went under a massive 11 year renovation and reopened in 2022. The design was reimagined by BD hotel group and the interior design firm Studio Sio, taking the hotel from gritty to glam while still honoring its creative history and a completely preserved art catelouge. The design was a process of "deliberate archaeology", - uncovering and restoring the 1880s Victorian Gothic architecture and blending it with a new form of eclectic elegance: Grandma-chic meets Rock & Roll meets Michelin-Key level hospitality.

  

  A perfect hotel for a staycation is one that you never need to leave, and Hotel Chelsea checks all the boxes. Between the four on-site restaurants and bars: cafe chelsea (art-deco French-American bistro), el quijote (high-end Spanish tapas under original ceiling murals, operated inside the hotel since 1955), teruko (sleek new Japanese spot), and the lobby bar (grand lounge with tableside martini service), you can easily spend an entire weekend on property. The 11th floor houses a light-filled penthouse spa sanctuary, where every treatment comes with access to a cedar sauna, aromatic steam rooms, marble soaking tubs, a fireplace lounge, and private rooftop garden terrace, if you need any more convincing.

• PUBLIC hotel: for nightlife lovers. As opposed to an escape from the city, this is a hotel to make you fall in love with NYC all over again. Conceptulized by the legendary hotelier Ian Schrager, (Co-founder of Studio 54) and designed by Herzog and De Meuron and John Pawson, this is a design forward hotel that invites you to exlore all of their third-space concepts, including multiple F&B venues, (popular: Peruvian cuisine by Chef Diego Muñoz + cantina, pisco cocktails and Latin street food, two fifteen: film-noir inspired cocktail bar right off the iconic neon escalators, and louis: their bakery, coffee bar, and all day cafe, equipped with a fresh juice bar + all essential hangover cures) and two of the hottest places to dance in the city, the roof and ARTSPACE. The latter is an avant-garde club featuring underground club sets by resident and world-class guest DJs. Hotel guests recieve complimentary admission to the club, bypassing the typical long lines and ticket prices.

  For a reset after a big night, the hotel also offers complimentary daily fitness classes such as pilates, yoga, stretch, meditation, and breathwork, which take place on the 17th floor overlooking Manhattan. The rooms at the public are compact but chic, with floor to ceiling views of the city. They often feature seasonal discounts on rooms, including their current promotion: Summer in the City for stays from 6/8 - 9/7, featuring 35% off all rooms and a $50 food and beverage credit.

• The Standard - High Line: Straddling the high line next to the Hudson River, The Standard - High Line is another great option for quintessential nyc nightlife, but with more expansive rooms to relax in than at the PUBLIC. Rooms feel airy and luxurious, explicitly designed for you to lounge around in all day. Be sure to book a room with one of the huge, freestanding soaking tubs and a view overlooking the river for the full experience. There’s no shortage of options to eat and drink without leaving the hotel, but if you do, you’ll find yourself in the cobblestone streets of the meatpacking district with direct access to the high line park (during the day, the park is full of tourists, but at night the elevated park makes for a perfect quiet walk above the city, open until 10pm).

  The F&B offerings range from casual street-level spots (standard grill: go for the raw bar, the standard biergarten: outdoor garden space with German classics, the current pop-up this summer standard soda shop: for nostalgic diner classics, to the famous rooftop nightclub le bain (plunge pool really is on the dance floor), and the iconic boom boom room (rebranded as BOOM) with its glowing central bar in the glam 1970s space designed by Roman and Williams —complete with live jazz and panoramic city views.

  If you opt for one of the hotels that doesn’t have a spa onsite, or if a hotel stay is out of the question, book a treatment at Spencers Spa and you’ll experience next level relaxation and escapism.

SPENCERS SPA

Spencer’s is redefining the luxury spa through a design lovers lense. The layered, chic interiors in both Soho and Williamsburg prioritize comfort, style, and impeccable hospitality, with top-notch treatments that are actually worth the price. Without a doubt, this spa is the most calming space we’ve ever experienced in the city. The arrival welcome ritual begins with you swapping your shoes for plush slippers and complimentary branded cashmere socks, before being sat in the lounge and offered a warm hand-cleansing towel paired with a soothing cup of tea (green or Hojicha). You’re invited to decompress before and after treatment, lingering with your citrus water and a great collection of books.

The founder saw a gap in the nyc spa scene that only offered extremes: minimal and clinical or wildly overpriced and exclusive. At Spencer’s, 45 minute massages and facials are $199, with 60 minute treatments at $249. They offer a monthly membership that saves you 10-30% off depending on treatment types and length, and if you sign up for texts they are always offering great discount bundles throughout the year, such as the 2 for $229 (two 60 minute treatments for less than the price of one!) Use our referral link for $30 off your first treatment at any location.

We’ve tried both the Essential and Signature massages and the Essential and Moisture Lock facials, the latter of which focuses on circulation, tension release, and lymphatic drainage. Each experience was so incredibly holistic and restorative, from the hush that falls the moment you walk in the door to each highly considered step of the treatment.

SOHO

The bright Soho loft space feels like a beautifully curated home that your coolest friend is hosting you in, drawing from Japanese Ryokan and retro Italian resort influences, with low slung velvet striped sofas and vintage treasures in every corner.

WILLIAMSBURG

The paired back Williamsburg space takes signals from life in Japan and southern Europe, with a focus on texture, sculptural shapes, and ryokan inspired treatment rooms.

For our friends in LA, Spencer’s has just opened its first location outside of NY in West Hollywood, in a 1920s sun-soaked residence once owned by Sidney Poitier that takes cues from the south of France, exuding Provençal charm.

DAYCATION FERRY TRIPS

Nothing breaks the staycation illusion like taking the subway! The ferry boats are nyc’s most underrated form of transit— only $4.50 and such a convenient way to get around on nice days.

• Ferry to Governers Island:

  • to QC spa (free on your birthday if you bring a friend!) Also great in the colder months since their pool is heated. The spa is not the most luxurious, but you can’t beat the view from the pool!

  • to Theodora Beach Club, the summer pop-up from Theodora in Fort Greene, famous for their Mediterranean dry-aged seafood and live-fire cooking, comes to Governors Island. The restaurant is on a sandy, waterfront oasis with a perfect view of the Manhattan skyline, taking over the old Gitano beach club space. Tickets for the tasting menu experience can be secured through RESY! (PS there is also a taco stand operating there seasonally on the days Theodora isn’t having their tasting events!)

• Ferry to Rockaway Beach in Queens (stay with me!) for the newly opened Rockaway Hotel and Spa. You can book a day pass on resort pass and spend your day at the pool escaping the city heat, overlooking the beach.

• Ferry to Williamsburg to go to Spencers Spa and/or the William Vale Pool (also available on resort pass)

Check out other pools on resort pass and use our referral link to get $20 off !

Happy staycationing! xx, sojourn

There’s no place quite like Paris. A city where elegant Haussmannian façades frame intricate gardens and cafe chairs are perfectly positioned for sidewalk people-watching. Around every corner you’ll find the chicest boutiques and galleries, world-renowned museums, and a food scene that few cities can rival.

Days are best spent on foot, strolling along the Seine and wandering through the culturally rich arrondissements that spiral out from its banks. Evenings unfold over a bottle of wine, lingering until late at a neighborhood brasserie. It’s the simple moments that give Paris that je ne se qoui. This is our curated guide to experiencing our favorite city.

TO STAY:

Hôtel de l’Abbaye, Saint-Germain-des-Prés - 6th arr.

Located in the incredibly chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, tucked just off the main boulevard yet within close proximity to it, you’ll find the leafy, gated courtyard entrance to this boutique hotel. There is an immediate air of quiet luxury—a calming gem in one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. The Parisian townhouse was converted into a hotel in the 90s, but it retains the feel of a beautifully decorated home thanks to the collaboration between French designer Michel Boyer and the original owners, Gisèle and Pierre-Antoine Lafortune.

The details are perfection, from the sunflower arrangements, to the fresh floral and fig scents of Diptyque filling the space, to the trickling fountain in the back garden—a courtyard where you can dine al fresco or beneath the beautiful glass conservatory.

Each room feels entirely its own, as though this were a grand 43-bedroom manor house rather than a hotel. Striped and floral wallpapers, toile-upholstered bedframes tucked into wallpapered niches, marble bathrooms, and views overlooking the garden give each space its own distinct character. Have breakfast in the courtyard before starting your day, or return for a cheese plate and glass of wine before dinner. This is the kind of hotel you want to linger in.

Average €359 per night.

Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais, Le Marais - 3rd arr.

Nestled among the buzzy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants of the historical Marais quarter and just blocks from the Seine, this boutique hotel housed in an 18th-century townhome transports you back to the theatrical elegance of Paris in the time of Beaumarchais. The entry parlor sets the scene, with a piano-forte from 1792 and a harp that appear as if the musicians have just stepped out, taking a break from the soirée. The Louis XV period furniture and lighting evoke pure rococo escapism.

The 19 rooms all feel as if you’ve entered a private boudoir, adorned with antique wooden beams and cheeky art. Be sure to book a front-side room as they are larger and look out onto the charming streets of the Marais, and if you don’t mind a smaller space, the front-facing rooms on the 6th level have balconies with the best view. Have your breakfast spread of flakey croissants, coffee, and fresh fruit brought up to your room, and enjoy a morning overlooking the historical heart of Paris.

Average €211 per night.

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers, Arts et Métiers - 4th arr.

Located on the edge of the Marais, the new Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers designed by Raphael Navot is a blend of timeless French design and modern innovation, a palette of sophisticated raw materials awaiting behind a classic Haussmannian facade. The 65-room hotel has an Italian restaurant and two bars onsite: the moody Herbarium cocktail lounge on the first floor, and the Hotel National Rooftop.

Average €278 per night.

La Fantaisie, Faubourg-Montmartre/Pigalle - 9th arr.

One of two newly opened hotels in Paris designed by Swedish interior designer Martin Brudnizki, La Fantaisie is a homage to the 9th arrondissement and to playful maximalism. The lobby is a gloriously cozy lounge that honors the literary salons of Paris, and the lush courtyard garden, rooftop bar, and onsite spa invite you to unwind in style after a long day on your feet.

This hotel is next on our list to stay at! Check out a full review of this hotel on our friend the moderne museletter’s post.

Average €419 per night.

Les Bains, Le Marais - 3rd arr.

Once a 19th-century public bathhouse turned era-defining nightclub where the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Yves Saint Laurent would be spotted, Les Bains had already lived many lives before being re-envisioned as a boutique hotel. Deep jewel-toned velvets and Carrera marble set a luxurious tone throughout both the rooms and public spaces of this five star hotel, an elegant take on this cultural phenomenon.

At Les Bains you will find innovative global cuisine, a bar, salon, and a spa are all at your fingertips, steps from the Haute Marais district. The hotel’s restaurant Roxo is a destination in its own right, where dining below an undulating reflective red ceiling that forms into shapes of giant water drops reminds you of the hotel’s beginnings. Tables are set over the legendary black-and-white-checkered dance floor, and if one meanders downstairs, they will find a neon-lit, mosaic-tiled pool for a fitting late night soak.

Average €558 per night.

TO EAT:

Morning:

• Au Petit Versailles du Marais - 4th: for classics in the Marais, founded in 1860. Order a quiche, the almond croissant or the pain au chocolat.

• Boulangerie Utopie - 11th: sesame roule or the brioche, but you really can’t go wrong here.

• Du Pain et des Idées - 10th: the escargot chocolat pistache !!!

• Noir Coffee Shop - throughout the city, visit the 9th, 18th, or 4th locations: great interiors and coffee, + financiers and citrus loafs for a sweet treat.

• Order crepes made fresh from a stand - a ham, egg and cheese, a jam crepe - fraise (strawberry) or framboise (raspberry) - or a classic sucre-citron (sugar and fresh squeezed lemon)

Mid-Day:

• Café Madame - 6th: came here wanting to try their well-known omelette, but in Paris breakfast is typically over at 11am (difficult for a non-morning person New Yorker) but ended up getting the cheeseburger and fries it was incredible! A must try burger!

• Chez Janou - 3rd: one of our absolute favorite dining experiences in Paris. A sunny little spot that brings the south of France to the city with its provençal cuisine. Try pastis from their extensive menu (anise-flavored spirit and apéritif, it tastes like licorice but was fun to try), for lunch order the ratatouille, the mussels, the escargot, and the salmon tartare. If you want something heavier, the duck looked fabulous. You’ll want to save room for their famous chocolate mousse, it really is the best ever! This would be a perfect spot for dinner as well but it’s difficult to get a reserveration. Put your name in for lunch and grab a glass of wine around the corner while you wait- it’s worth it.

• Bouillon Pigalle - 9th/18th: Come at an off-time (late lunch or early dinner) to avoid the lines and you’ll be glad you didn’t miss this truly authentic French experience (and the three-course meal with wine for under €25 doesn’t hurt, either.) This popular spot is a fresh take on the traditional Bouillon (the original casual eateries of Paris) with the interior of a modern diner. Order the veal or the beef bourguignon and don’t forget the pomme frites.

• Marché des Enfants Rouges - 3rd: This might be one of the best-kept foodie secrets of Paris! The oldest covered market in Paris was established in 1615 in the Marais and has been recognized as a historic monument since 1982. Make your way through the dense aisles of independently run food stalls, a vibrant melting pot from Moroccan couscous at Le Traiteur Marocain to a Japanese bento box from Chez Taeko. Visit the famed Chez Alain Miam Miam and watch Alain himself grilling hearty sandwiches topped with fromage comté (come hungry!!)

• Grab some cheese, a baguette, pâté, and cornichons and picnic at a park or in front of the Eiffel (park recommendations below!)

Evening:

• Le Servan - 11th: This sister-run neo-bistro features a seasonal menu where chef Tatiana’s French training is infused with flavors from Southeast Asia, rooted in her Philippino background. She cooks on display from the open kitchen while her sister Katia, the sommelier, selects your French natural wine. Order the blood sausage wontons and the oysters with chili dill dressing. For mains, opt for the crispy skin-on chicken in a truffle sauce, the merlu fish with curry butter, or the veal sweetbread (a French classic). Top off your meal with the Paris-Brest – a choux pastry ring filled with praline cream, or go for something seasonal- we loved the rhubarb tart with sorbet à la framboise.

• Bistrot des Tournelles - 4th: A quintessential Parisian bistro. Look no further! One of the best meals we’ve ever had in Paris. While they only opened in 2022, you would never know it with their warm, homey interior and traditional menu. They nail the classics: Sautéed oyster mushrooms, Steak au Poivre, and the Cordon Bleu with comté & prince de paris ham. 10/10!

• Sugaar - 6th: Quite possibly the sexiest dinner in Paris. Located just off Boulevard Saint-Germain, the chic lower dining room is fully lacquered in a moody, deep burgundy envelope, with candlelit tables. Upstairs, the space transforms into a vibrant late-night cocktail bar. The food is elevated Basque dishes and open-flame charcoal cooked meat and fish. Order the tuna tartare (best ever), the legendary 25-Day Dry-Aged Txuleta (bone-in Ribeye) for two with a side of mashed potatoes (mindblowing), and the Basque Burnt Cheesecake to finish. The top layer is torched and carmelized like a crème brûlée, the perfect fusion.

• Parcelles - 3rd: Nestled into a quiet block of the Marais, this intimate spot has a menu that focuses on seasonal produce and changes daily. Cozy up and order the White Asparagus and Maltese Turnips, Gnocchi in Sage Butter, and the chocolate tart.

• Derrière - 3rd: This cheeky restaurant welcomes you into what feels like an eclectic-chic Parisian apartment, with the option to dine in the kitchen, boudoir, living room, or (as we would recommend) the outdoor terrace for what feels to be an intimate, invite-only dinner party. Classic comfort dishes like the Duck Confit and the Sweetbreads are the stars here, with the deserts changing seasonally. If they have the chocolate and pistachio “petit pot”, don’t think twice about indulging yourself. And if you happen to hear music coming from the antique armour near the toilettes, then you may have found your way to their hidden speakeasy.

• Robert et Louise - 3rd: A coat of deep red paint slacked on the exterior will let you know you’ve found this family-run bistro. It was founded over 60 years ago by the eponymous Robert and Louise and their daughter and her husband now run the show. Wood-fired meat from the open hearth of a massive stone fireplace takes center stage- think smoldering ribeye, t-bone steak, and leg of lamb (don’t forget the escargot!) Tip: Sit downstairs in the cozy wine-cave, stone-clad basement.

• Le Café des Musées - 3rd: Yet another classic brasserie in the Marais, but this one is a Paris institution that opened over 100 years ago in 1924. All you need to know is that the award-winning beef bourguignon (cooked for five hours) deserves all of it’s accolades, and you absolutelty must order it. Thank us later!

Late Night:

• Le Mary Celeste - 3rd: A neighborhood cocktail and oyster bar in the Marais. The central bar spins out fresh seafood tapas and creative cocktails with literary quotes for descriptions.

• Le Perchoir - 11th: When in the 11th arrondissement, stop at Le Perchoir for a drink at sunset. Depending on the time of year you are in Paris, this could very well be after dinner as the sun doesn’t set until 10:00pm in the summer months. In any case, you may end up staying until close at this rooftop bar, dancing to the dj set under the disco ball, looking out over Sacré-Cœur.

• Septime La Cave - 11th: Around the corner from Septime, one of the best contemporary Michelin-star French restaurants in Paris, is their chic and romantic little wine bar. This is the perfect pre-dinner or post-dinner wine bar, with elevated bar snacks and 10 rotating choices by the glass daily.

• Bambino - 11th: Our server at Bistrot des Tournelles recommended this spot to us on our most recent trip to Paris and it did not dissapoint! This is a listening bar inspired by Tokyo jazz cafes and London clubs. Records are spinning, people are dancing and craft cocktails + wine are flowing. They play a mix of soul, funk, disco and house until 2am.

• Le Comptoir General - 10th: On our list for our next visit is to explore the Canal St Martin area, especially to some of the late night dance parties. Hidden behind an anonymous wall along the canal is this massive, cinematographic space filled with lush planting, vintage mid-century furniture and hidden rooms. Resident DJs spin high-energy afro-funk, reggae, and disco tracks and their signature rum-based cocktails are served from the tiki bar.
  

TO SEE & TO DO:

Museums and galleries (beyond the Louvre):

• L’Orangerie - 1st: One of the most iconic museums in Paris. See Monet’s water lilies in the panoramic oval rooms on the upper floors, as well as works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir.

• Musée Rodin - 7th: the largest collection of the master bronze sculptor’s work in the world. The museum contains most of Rodin’s significant creations, including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. It features 6,600 sculptures and 7,000 objets d’art, inside and outside of the mansion. You can spend the afternoon making your way through the beautiful gardens admiring the extensive collection.

• Musée Picasso - 3rd: Located at the Hotel Salé in the Marais, a rich heritage mansion from the 17th century where the largest public collection of Picasso’s work is on display. Alongside the many paintings are also his letters, sketches, and poetry, a close look into the life of the famous painter in the city where he spent most of his artistic life.

• Musée de Montmartre - Jardins Renoir - 18th: along the narrow, cobblestone streets of one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, you’ll find this small museum of studios that once were the homes and meeting places of many artists, most notably Pierre-August Renoir. The museum is meant to be experienced as the studio would have looked then, with art displayed on easels and antique furniture scattered about. Out back, the cafe and gardens overlook the local vineyards, Vigne Montmartre, and the plains to the North of Paris.

• Fluctuart - 7th: this is the world’s first floating urban art center: a sleek multi-level gallery and bar that explores various movements in urban and street art. Fluctuart’s mission is to make art accessible to everyone and challenges the notions of traditional museums- and they offer free admission to the gallery. The top boat deck is the perfect spot to have a drink on the Seine, then browse both their temporary and current collections downstairs and pick up a coffee table book to bring home. (Indoor exhibition hall closes at 8PM, the lively rooftop bar is open until 2AM!)

• Galerie Patrick Seguin - 11th: A haven for midcentury design enthusiasts! This furniture gallery and exhibition space features the best of twentieth-century french modernism. Patrick Seguin has devoted his career to ensuring the works of Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret, Le Corbusier, and Jean Royère are internationally recognized for their importance in art and design history.

• Laura Gonzalez - Gallery Paris - 6th: The iconic French interior designer Laura Gonzalez’s gallery space is essential viewing for interior design lovers. The immersive space is designs as a series of residential vignettes, making it feel more like a layered home than a traditional showroom. The gallery showcases her studio’s collection, with their signature maximalism mix of bold colors, patterned textiles, sculptural furniture, and handcrafted pieces by local artisans.

• Perrotin - 3rd: one of the leading contemporary art galleries in the world, with locations in New York, London, and Tokyo, among others. Part of the intrigue of this location is its setting inside of an 18th-century hotel, the gallery juxtaposing historic architecture with cutting-edge contemporary art. They represent a mix of internationally renowned artists alongside emerging talent with rotating exhibitions, making this one of Paris’ top galleries to visit.
  

Gardens:

• Jardin du Luxembourg - 6th: spend an entire afternoon exploring these beautiful gardens and you’ll completely forget that you are in one of the most major, metropolitan cities in the world. See Luxembourg palace and wander through the rose gardens, watch or play a game of boules, have a picnic between the manicured trees of Esplanade Gaston-Monnerville, and most importantly - grab a few of the iconic green Senat chairs and bask in the sun. (If you want to take a piece of Paris home with you, the chairs are now manufactured by Fermob in Thoissey and are available to order online. The signature Paris green: RAL 6013, is made exclusively for the city parks, but Willow Green and Cactus are a close match!)

• Jardin des Tuileries - 1st: Located next to the Louvre, Tuileries represents the pinnacle of French landscape design with its formal, manicured garden.

• Place des Vosges - 4th: The oldest planned square in Paris boasts a beautiful park with a central fountain surrounded by red-brick mansions.

• Jardin du Palais Royal - 1st: The landscaped grounds surrounding this 17th-century palace feature tree-lined paths and the Colonnes installation by Daniel Buren.
  

Sites:

• Rue de l’Abreuvoir - 18th: In the arrondissement that was once home to both Dali and Picasso, all of the streets are unbeliebably picturesque, but Rue de l’Abreuvoir just might be the best- it’s widely regarded as the “prettiest street in all of Paris”. It begins at La Maison Rose, the historic restaurant standing at the corner in a charming pink house with green shutters and continues down the winding cobblestone street, the dome of Sacré-Cœur peeking out over the ivy-covered homes.

• Sacré-Cœur - 18th: The Romanesque-Byzantine style basilica is located at the highest point of Montmarte and is well worth the trek up for the unmatched panoramic views of Paris.

• Pont Alexandre III - 7th to 8th: the most grandiose of all the bridges along the river. Stop to admire the sweeping views and the gold statues standing centennial on either side.

Shops:

• Yvon Lambert bookshop - 3rd: This renowned modernist bookshop and gallery in the Marais founded in the 80’s helped shape the neighborhood into what it is today, a hub for the worldy art crowd and creatives. This was one of the first locations that American artists were ever showcased in Paris. Browse the extensive collection of art and photography books, and pick up a limited edition exhibition print.

• Le Bon Marche - 6th: Visit Paris’s oldest and most iconic department store for all your luxe needs, or for excellent window shopping if you’re on a budget. The interiors are just as beautiful as the merchandise, with the bright sky-lit atrium and iconic tiled escalators.

• Mercie - 3rd: This shop is much more than it appears from its discreet courtyard exterior, with ivy-covered walls and a vintage red fiat reading merci. Inside is a 16,000-square-foot concept store sprawling over three stories filled with furniture and homeware. From the fashion aficionado to the interior design-minded, there is no shortage of inspiration or gifts to be found. The shop regularly holds gallery exhibitions, such as a past collaboration with Maison & Objet design show. Though it can be very busy with tourists, you can retreat to the cafe tucked inside, a cozy spot for a coffee break, lined floor-to-ceiling with thousands of secondhand books.

• L’Appartement Sézane - 2nd: The original Appartement on rue sainte-fiacre, the Parisian street where Sezane was born. Designed as a dream Parisian apartment!

• Boutiques in the Marais!! There is no shortage of incredible shops in this area, from handmade jewelry, bespoke fragrances, and curated designer vintage. A few vintage clothing shops on our list for our next visit: Bobby, THE ROOM, and Revoir Vintage.
  

Et Viola! Bon Voyage!

It’s impossible to visit the Côte d'Azur and not fall completely in love with it. A coastline dotted with chic beach clubs, colorful facades on cobblestone streets, meals served over jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean - it’s the beauty that inspired countless artists (Cezanne, Monet, Matisse, and Renoir- to name a few), to try and capture its magic and light. With so many charming towns and stunning cliffsides in close proximity, the French Riviera is best experienced as multi-stop trip: from Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Antibes and Saint Tropez, you could visit many times and still never uncover all of the beautiful hidden gems. Our guide on where to go, stay, eat, and lounge by the ocean when visiting our top euro-summer destination!

NICE:

Nice is the largest city in the French Riviera with the most accessible airport, which makes it the ideal spot to begin your trip and pick up your rental car. Nice was the first city I ever visited in France and it will always hold a special place in my heart! The beachside promenade is basked in gorgeous sunlight most days of the year, the old town is vibrant with its colorful Italianate buildings, (Nice has a strong Italian cultural influence, particularly in its architecture and cuisine- being so close to Italy after all), and there are so many yummy, fresh local Niçois dishes that are a must try.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hôtel La Pérouse: It doesn’t get more iconic Nice than this. The historic hotel originally opened in 1936, carved into the limestone face at Parc du Château and overlooking the Mediterranean on Promenade des Anglais. Artfully refreshed by design firm Atelier Friedmann & Versace, the interiors of the 50-room hotel are both playful and nostalgic, brimming with vintage treasures and stripes galore. You wake to sweeping views of the ocean, you spend the afternoon at the cliffside pool surrounded by the citrus tree garden. You are in French Riviera Heaven.

Hôtel du Couvent: A departure from the typical glitz of the Cote d’Azur, this hotel is all understated elegance and authenticity. An old convent reimagined into a restorative property focused on mindfulness. The flower filled gardens and roman baths will make you feel like you’re in a different era, an immersive experience that is fully realized when you walk out into the historic heart of Old Town Nice. The interiors are warm and cozy, washed in a buttery sunshine yellow, the two restaurants onsite are helmed by chef Thomas Vitele, with a menu that changes daily based on the areas fresh fish and local produce.

Chateau Le Cangard: A Provençal fever dream in the middle of the Riviera. The full name of the Côte d'Azur region is actually Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and it stretches all the way to Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Many of these beautiful Provençal towns are further away from Nice (and worthy of a dedicated trip all their own), but the little hilltop town of Haut de Cagnes is only 20 minutes away and it’s straight out of a fairytale - a 14th century medieval village, to be exact. Ivy and bougainvillea sprawl over the stone facade, shutters swing open onto private balconies overlooking the village and ocean in the distance. The interiors are beautifully appointed while being historically preserved, and the michelin restaurant on the romantic terrace is a top-notch experience worthy of a visit even if you are not a guest at this hotel. This is where we stayed on our most recent trip and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

(Note - this is a medieval village so keep in mind the streets are a bit steep and narrow. You park/get dropped off at the parking lot in the village and the staff from the hotel send a car to come pick you up and escort you to the chateau. The hotel service was absolutely perfect.)

WHERE TO EAT:

• le plongeoir: dining on a pillar of rock over the côte d'azur.. need I say more? This culturally significant emblem of the city of nice orginates from the nineteenth century, when a stylish fishing boat was secured on the rock before it was reenvisioned into the restaurant it is today. I’ve visted this spot twice, the food (ceviche with kumquat, rigatoni with summer truffle) is great, the views and atmosphere are even better.

• les bains du castel: more incredible seafood on the water in a prime location. There is also a beach club here so you can make a whole afternoon out of it

• rouge: wine bar with amazing small plates by the marina

• jan: a michelin star restaurant serving innovative south african cuisine, regarded as one of the best restaurants in the entire french riviera!!

• le panier: a gem in old town nice, highlighting fresh local ingredients

• chez acchiardo: a local legend. this family restaurant in old town has been passed down from generation to generation, is the go-to spot for the Niçoise. come for lunch for Niçoise salad and carpaccio

• château le cagnard: for the most special of occasions. located about 30 minutes from nice within the eponymous hotel, this michelin restaurant was one of the top culinary experiences of my life. sit on the romantic terrace, with a view that stretches as far as cap d'antibes, and enjoy a flawless contemporary and seasonal provençal meal.

WHAT TO DO:

• Beachside walks on The Promenade des Anglais

• Beach club days: Castel Plage, La Plage du Negresco, Paloma Beach (in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)

• Explore Old Town Nice: Cours Saleya Market (daily street market), and Place Rossetti (the central square)

• Scenic hikes: Jardin botanique de Nice (Mediterranean botanical garden) and Colline du Château, Castle hill park (there’s a waterfall!)

DAY ONE: ARRIVE IN NICE

• arrive and pick up your rental car

• check into Chateau Le Cangard— The hotel dreams are made of

• get settled & take a stroll around the quaint town. Haut de Cagnes is a historic hilltop medieval village at the top of Cagnes-Sur-Mer known for preserving its authentic Provençal charm- the village dates back to the 14th century. Taking a walk through the town overlooking the hilltops and views out to the ocean is the perfect start to your trip.

• back to the hotel for dinner at their restaurant on the terrace at sunset, c’est magnifique.

DAY TWO: NICE

• head to town for the Cours Saleya Market and order the tartes aux citron at the Mitron Bakery stand and marvel at the local flower market. Stand in line like a local for socca, the quintissential late-morning Niçois snack – a big paper-thin pancake, or you can’t go wrong with a crêpe

• stroll along “La Prom”, The Promenade des Anglais - the iconic beachside walk to see the historic hotels and glistening water

• lunch like a local at chez acchiardo, spend the afternoon exploring old town

• stop for a glass of wine at rouge before dinner, walk along the marina

• dinner at le plongeoir, the most iconic dining experience in Nice!

• optional nightcap at the beach club Plage Hotel Amour for dancing

DAY THREE : BEACH CLUB AT SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the most perfect lush peninsula, with pristine beaches and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Frequented by royals and celebrities throughout history, this is a pricey little slice of paradise to vacation in but is an amazing day trip from Nice (only 20 minutes away!) If you booked a rental car for the whole trip, you can take a scenic drive through Nice and Villefranche Sur Mer to get to Saint-Jean, or if you’d rather not take a car you can take public transit (40 minute journey)

• enjoy the breakfast spread at your hotel before heading to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

• Spend the day at Paloma Beach - my favorite beach club in the area! This cove is a hidden gem, so luxurious and secluded since the beach club is the only establishment under the cypress trees and pastel homes on the cliff. Have your lunch out on your lounger with a spritz, you’ll want to stay here all day (or forever)

• Walk around the town and get post-beach gelato at Nonna or La Civette

• Dinner at Le Quai 28 in Saint-Jean, or stop in Villefranche Sur Mer on your way back, a colorful town between Nice and Saint-Jean known as the “Jewel of the French Rivieria”, and have dinner at Le Belle Etoile al fresco.

  DAY FOUR: ART-FILLED DAY TRIP TO SAINT PAUL DE VENCE

• breakfast at the hotel or in town before checking out of your hotel

• Visit Musée Renoir in Cagnes Sur Mer before leaving the area: the museum is located at the Renoir’s home where he spent the latter half of his life

• Drive 15 minutes to Saint-Paul de Vence, a beautiful medieval village known for all of its artistic residents and galleries. The little cobblestone village is one of the most romantic and picturesque places you’ll ever visit, I never wanted to leave! Have lunch on the terrace at La Colombe D’Or with a glass of wine, then wander the streets, going in and out of local shops + galleries. Don’t miss La Miette, a charming 12th-century cottage famous for the French poet Jacques Prévert who resided there in the 40s.

• 30 minute drive to Antibes, check into your hotel (optional to drive straight to Saint Tropez if you’d like a more relaxed trip with less stops, it’s just under 2 hours from Nice and Saint Paul De Vence, but if you want to fit one more destination in, it should be Antibes!) Stay at Cap D’Antibes Beach Hotel or The 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap D’Antibes for a night

• For dinner, you can go for fine dining on the water at Plage Keller – Le César on La Garoupe Beach, or head to a local bistro Don Juan – Chez Jules for traditional Provençal food

  DAY FIVE: ANTIBES + ARRIVE IN SAINT TROPEZ

• Get a croissant or pastry and a slice of lemon pie for later at Boulangerie Veziano, the best little boulangerie in Antibes!!

• Walk around town and visit the Musée Picasso, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame D’Antibes (the site dates back to a 5th century Roman cathedral), and the Marché provençal, a covered street market great for shopping for local treasures to bring back home

• Lunch at Baba, the beachside restaurant and bar at the Cap D’Antibes Beach Hotel serving Levantine cuisine. The 5-star 35 room hotel and restaurant is Palm Springs meets the Riviera, a retro-california cool vibe inspired by the geometric, streamlined houses of Palm Springs and Meditteranean seaside villas. The circular bar offers a panoramic view of the Cap D’Antibes.

• Drive to Saint Tropez, check into Hotel Lou Pinet

• Sunset walk along the marina on the way to dinner at the Restaurant-Bar at Hotel la ponche

SAINT TROPEZ:

Saint Tropez, the chicest slice of the Riviera. Parts of the town retain the charm of its origins as a fishing village, while stretches of beach resorts and a marina full of yatchs emphasize the transformation into a glamorous destination in the 1950s, ala Brigitte Bardot. This is the second town to base yourself in to enjoy all it has to offer, from luxury hotels and shopping, the infamous beach clubs of pampelonne beach, and days spent wine tasting on the vineyards, Saint Tropez is a must visit!!

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Lou Pinet: a boutique hotel by Charles Zana whose typical Provencal shutter-lined exterior houses an interior that recalls the ’60s and ’70s, with a palette echoing the natural colors of the surroundings: wicker, terracotta, and olive trees. It’s only 4 minutes from the heart of the Saint Tropez scene and a 10 minute drive from the iconic Pampelonne Beach, but you’ll be hard pressed to leave one of the most enviable properties in the Riviera.

Lily of the Valley: for a break from the parties (but not from the luxury), this wellness-focused retreat may have the most spectacular pool in Saint Tropez. This hotel is a splurge but would be amazing for a honeymoon or special celebration. That along with Philippe Starck’s ephereal interiors (think walnut ceilings and dramatic marble bathrooms) and a top notch spa make this hotel a destination in and of itself. The hotel is perched high above the secluded beach below, at a distance from Saint Tropez but within a (25 minutes) arms reach.

Hôtel L'Escalet: located in between the other hotels near the secluded Escalet beach, the charming town of Ramatuelle, and Pampelonne, this laid back and slightly more affordable (by Saint Tropez standards) boutique hotel doesn’t compromise on style and authenticity. The rooms are beachy boho chic and the property was made for lounging. If its a beachy vacation you’re after (Saint Tropez has more to offer than shopping and clubs!) this is the place to be.

WHERE TO EAT:

• restaurant-bar at hotel la ponche - saint tropez: a secluded seaside restaurant on the gulf of saint tropez, just a short walk from the lively vieux port (old port). set inside the historic hotel reimagined by designer Fabrizio Casiraghi, the menu from the michelin-star chef from Paris focuses on fresh fish du jour and market produce.

• dior des lices - saint tropez: perfect stop for coffee, pastries, or cocktails on the terrace and perousing the attached Dior store

• la réserve à la plage - pampelonne beach: the pampelonne beach version of the two-michelin star réserve ramatuelle is a sexy st tropez beach club, smartly designed by philippe starck to return to the original saint tropez spirit and surroundings. the wooden barstools are hand-chiseled, the seafood is incredibly fresh, and the daybeds are quite possibly the most perfect spot in all of st tropez to sip a pornstar martini beachside.

• kinugawa - ramatuelle: tokyo meets the meditteranean at this buzzy indoor/outdoor Japanese restaurant set within an olive grove. live DJs begin their set as you arrive for dinner and continue into your night of dancing.

• cafe de l'ormeau - ramatuelle: a favorite brasserie for locals, this family run spot focuses on Provençal gastronomy, best served on the terrace of their picturesque village sqaure.

WHAT TO DO:

• La Plage. Saint Tropez is famous for its beach clubs. spend the day at la réserve à la plage (see above), indie beach, loulou à ramatuelle, or the glamorous Club 55, a Saint Tropez institution, celebrity-packed since the 50s.

• Shop: Rue François Sibilli for luxury brands and window shopping, La Ponche (the old quarter) for boutiques, and the beach clubs for chic resortwear, gorgeous swimsuits, and branded beach essentials (JACQUEMUS at Indie Beach is a must see)

• Visit local wineries for tours and tastings. Saint Tropez is famous for its high-quality rosés, perfect for summer. You can visit château minuty and château barbeyrolles for a gorgeous day in the vineyards.

• dance the day and night away at nikki beach (day parties) and les caves du roy (12am-5am)

DAY SIX - SAINT TROPEZ:

• Head to the village of ramatuelle for brunch at cafe de l'ormeau

• spend the day at la réserve à la plage on Pampelonne beach. Rent lounge chairs and enjoy the white sand beach (not very common in France!) that continues into the restaurant under the natural wood trellis above. this is arguably the chicest beach club in Saint Tropez right now. five star experience!

• late afternoon reset at your hotel - get dressy for a proper Saint Tropez night out

• Dinner and dancing at kinugawa (DJ set until 1am)

• If you want to experience the full Saint Tropez club scene, you go to les caves du roy inside the Byblos Hotel to dance until the early hours of the morning.

DAY SEVEN - AU REVOIR SAINT TROPEZ:

• Breakfast at your hotel, morning at the pool before check out

• Stop at the beautiful ivy-covered Dior Cafe for coffee or a spritz & lite bites

• Stroll around the shops and pick up a custom fragrance or candle at Maison ST to soothe your upcoming post-vacay blues and future nostalgia for this magical place

• Drive back to Nice to catch your flight. Au Revoir, à bientôt Côte d'Azur!

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera and want more recommendations or assistance travel planning, please reach out! We’d love to plan your next sojourn.

xx, Jess

Saint Martin was not on our radar until recently, when we were in desperate need for an escape from New York winter and decided on a trip to the Caribbean. If Saint Martin isn’t already on your travel bucketlist, save this guide and start planning your trip asap because it was the most magical place!!

Saint Martin is the world's smallest island divided between two nations, with the northern French part (Saint Martin - where we stayed) and the southern Dutch part (Sint Maarten - where SXM airport is located). Filled with French and Creole food, beaches with unbelievably turquoise water, and vibrant local culture, the northern side of the island is a must visit.

Our guide to 4 days in Saint Martin: where to stay, eat, and explore + the very best beaches to lounge at all day long. (Save our map with all locations pinned here.)

Where to stay:

La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel: the architecture feels more like the Mediterranean than the Caribbean, with it’s white-washed Cycladic-esque structures on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Yet the tropical landscaping and surroundings keep this resort grounded exactly where it is: on the most beautiful stretch of beach in Saint Martin. The rooms are retro-chic, the onsite restaurant L’Oursin is helmed by a two Michelin-star chef, and the infinity pool has a view that makes it impossible to leave. Since this is a Belmond property it’s definitely a splurge- but if you don’t stay at one of the villas or rooms onsite you can still make a reservation for lunch or dinner, or book a day pass for loungers with service on the beach.

Le Martin Boutique Hôtel: the chicest little hotel on the island! With only seven rooms onsite, it is little- this is a hotel for the design-focused traveler that is looking to get out and explore Saint Martin. Complimentary breakfast is served daily and while there is no dinner restaurant onsite, the hotel is located in Cul-de-Sac and is not far from the nearby Orient Bay and is only a 10 minute drive to Boulevard de Grande Case, the restaurant row of Saint Martin. This hotel is perfect for a nature & wellness escape, with a masseuse and yoga instructor onsite and access to Pinel Island cove. You can take the path down from the hotel to rent kayaks and paddleboards and explore Ilet Pinel out on the beautiful bay.

Love Boutique-Hôtel: this hotel is such a hidden gem, an amazing little oceanfront property with very affordable rates considering you are STEPS from the sand. Located in Grand Case on Boulevard de Grande Case, you are in the heart of what is widely considered the best dining scene in the Carribean. The nearby French restaurants have a mix of classic and Creole influence, and the lolo’s (local bbq spots!) are unmatched. We stayed at this hotel during our trip and loved the location and accomodations. We could have spent our entire vacation in Grand Case between all the great food and the direct access to Grand Case beach. Stay here if you are a foodie and like to immerse yourself in the local culture. Each room has a patio with a thatched roof overlooking the mountains or the ocean. The rooms are simply and tastefully designed with ebony wood furniture and a stone shower. The boutique hotel also has a boat you can charter for the day or for a sunset cruise.

Where to eat:

Since we stayed in Grand Case, this list focuses mostly on restauraunts in that area- but because this is the best concentration of restaurants on the island you’ll want to make a few reservations here regardless of where you’re staying.

Breakfast/Lunch:

• Sunset Cafe: part of the Grand Case Beach club. Dine over the ocean on the seafood-focused French menu.

• Rainbow Cafe: This spot is so fun and has it all! The multi-level space is filled with woven sea-grass pendants and disco balls, right on the beachfront of Grand Case. We had an amazing brunch on the rooftop terrace (the Salmon Benedict and the pancakes with berries and black sesame marscapone cream were so good!), they also serve lunch and dinner, have lounge chairs to rent on the beach, and they host DJ’s for parties every Saturday and Sunday.

• Mood SXM: Great little cafe for an acai bowl, smoothie, or poke bowl.

Dinner:

• Le Cottage: The best meal we had!! Classic French with Carribean flavors, and their Sommelier does excellent pairings. The sea scallop tartare with local passion fruit + the sea scallop carpaccio with lemon caviar and crispy smoked salmon was the kind of dish that you never forget, so unique and delicious. The duo le canard was also fantastic.

• Restaurant L'Auberge Gourmande: one of the oldest typical French Creole House’s on the island. The space is in a sunny yellow restored Créole cottage with a charming shuttered front terrace for dinner alfresco. This place is so cozy and romantic. I tried the Jasmine Curry Risotto (perfection) and want to go back for the rest of the menu!

• La Villa: Classic French restaurant with amazing food & the best service! The owners, chef and staff make a dinner here such a great experience.

• JAVA: Gorgeous beachfront restaurant and cocktail bar. We had espresso martinis and pornstar matinis at sunset overlooking the water. Highly recommend!

• L’Oursin & Laplaj: The restaurants at La Samanna, Belmond do not dissapoint. Go for fresh seafood for lunch at Laplaj or dinner at L’Oursin helmed by their two-michelin star chef.

• Alizé: Carribean inspired cuisine and cocktails in the marina town of Marigot. For a chic spot in a local area- stop by for tapas before sunset.

& Don’t forget to visit some of the local Lolo’s as well! We tried Lolo’s Rib Shack and Cynthia’s Talk of the Town in Grand Case, yummy bbq ribs and creole shrimp and pina coladas. The perfect casual beachside lunch after a day on the water, and a great way to support the local businesses and community.

Where to lounge on the beach:

• Grand Case Beach: Gorgeous beach with calm water, perfect for swimming. There are both public and private areas, and plenty of beach clubs with loungers (rent them at Rainbow Cafe if you’re not staying at a resort here). Perfect for a full beach day since there are so many ocean-front spots for food & drinks. We stayed on Grand Case beach and spent every morning and evening here.

• Baie Longue, private section of La Samanna, Belmond: The most beautiful beach on the island! Located on the most western shore in the Terres Basses area, this secluded golden sand beach is surrounded by stunning cliffsides dotted with luxury villas. Email the concierge at La Samanna ahead of your visit and inquire about the availability of day passes if you are not staying at the hotel. Day passes come with chic lounge chairs, umbrellas, water + house-made iced tea, and beachside service.

• Anse Marcel: This beach is accessed through the prettiest mountain drive. A secluded, calm cove with a white sand beach, resort, and beach club for grabbing lunch or drinks. This was the quietest public beach we visited, perfect for a relaxing day in a stunning corner of the island.

Four day itinerary:

Day one:

• Breakfast at Sunset Cafe

• Beach day at Grand Case

• Lunch at a Lolo on the beach

• Dinner & drinks at JAVA

Day two:

• Breakfast at Rainbow Cafe

• Beach club & lunch @ La Samanna (optional: add on spa treatment)

• Dinner at Le Cottage

• Beach night walk

Day three:

• Acai at Mood SXM

• Anse Marcel beach and Anse Marcel Beach Restaurant for lunch

• Sunset boat charter from Love Boutique Hotel or Rainbow Cafe

• Dinner at L'Auberge Gourmande

Day four:

• Breakfast in your hotel on the terrace

• Lunch at Alizé in Marigot

• Drive back to airport

More to do & where we’ll go on our next trip:

• Explore Pinel Island

• Ferry to Saint Barts for a day trip (45 minute ferry ride)

• Marigot Bay Market

• Le Pressoir, another Grand Case restaurant with incredible reviews as well as a rum & cigar bar

(Save our map with all locations pinned and day-by-day itererary + travel tips on Mindtrip here.)

New York is for art lovers.

With dozens of major international art museums, over a thousand cutting-edge galleries, and the largest art museum in the country (the Metropolitan Museum of Art), nyc’s dynamic and varied art scene is vast and endlessly inspiring. The sheer amount of cultural and creative discovery is overwhelming—from the Brooklyn Museum and the Guggenheim to MoMA and Pace Gallery. And then there are the hidden gems... Some of the best museums in the city are the ones that see far fewer crowds and hold space for contemplation.

The Noguchi Museum, located in Long Island City in Queens, is a meditative museum and sculpture garden honoring Isamu Noguchi: the acclaimed sculptor, landscape architect, and furniture and lighting designer widely known as one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. An avid museum-goer himself, Noguchi was interested in the settings and displays for art and sculpture, curious and critical of the typical stark, sterile galleries of the time. In 1985, he founded his eponymous museum, the first solo artist museum founded and designed by an artist within their own lifetime. It is through this lens that he shaped the sculptural environment that his work would live within. A visit to this museum offers the rare and beautiful opportuntity to experience an artist’s pieces exactly as they intended.

The museum is housed in a 1920s industrial building across the street from where Noguchi had established his studio in 1960 after relocating from Greenwich Village. The museum’s design maintains its original red brick exterior and metal ceiling, with added layers of white paint and exposed wood beams inside, awash with light from the large windows. It has a tranquil outdoor sculpture garden and two floors of galleries that display Noguchi’s work. You enter into the ground floor and garden, populated with some of his largest pieces: granite, basalt, and marble sculptures made during his time in Japan and Italy over the decades.

A true internationalist, Noguchi traveled extensively throughout his life in Asia, Mexico, and Europe, and maintained studios in both New York and Japan. This wide-spanning influence is reflected in his work, from the ceramics and serene gardens in Japan to the pure quality of marble sourced from Italian quarries.

“I think in the modern world, there is no such thing as something totally foreign. Everything becomes more or less mutually accessible.” - Isamu Noguchi

Against Time: The Noguchi Museum 40th Anniversary Reinstallation is on view through September 14th, 2025. The reinstallation features the works Noguchi had chosen before his death to represent his formative earlier periods of experimentation. On the second floor, you’ll find some of Noguchi’s first forays into abstraction with wood and brass sculptures dating back to 1928, shortly after his time working in Constantin Brancusi’s studio in Paris. Some of his first experiments with lit sculptures are also on display. His “Lunars” series, from the 1940s MacDougal Alley studio era, showcase lit elements concealed within molded magnesite forms.

Not to be missed before leaving is the gift shop, where you can purchase an iconic Akari lamp, among other intriguing objects. His designs for the Akari light sculptures were initially developed in 1951 and are still being produced today. They are made using Japanese materials in the traditional method of Japan's Gifu region: with washi paper from the bark of a mulberry tree and bamboo ribbing stretched across sculptural molded wood frames.

With Against Time, the gallery aims to reimagine the space 40 years later, rearranged as Noguchi himself would once do. While his exact vision can never be replicated, the meaning and intention can be extracted from rare archival photographs that document the way he would study the compositions of his pieces in earnest, drawing from a time when the gallery was still an active space of experimentation.

“A museum is, I suppose, a repository against time… there is a semblance of eternity, a sense of permenance that is implied by a museum, and a removal from time’s passage.” - Isamu Noguchi

Nearby:

Taverna Kyclades: for fresh mediterranean food in Astoria, Queens— New York’s hub of Greek food and culture. This restaurant is loved by locals and known to be one of the top Greek restaurants in the city.

Little Flower Cafe: an all-day cafe serving sandwiches, pistachio-dusted donuts, and great coffee from a Bushwick-based roaster in a pared-back, Donald Judd-esque space.

Adda: “unapologetically” authentic Indian food. Come for housemade paneer and plenty of spice.

In no particular order:

1. pastis - meatpacking, nyc: the quintessential french bistro. très chic vibes for brunch or dinner. it’s all about the classics here: steak frites, escargots in garlic-parsley butter, and the duck à l’orange.

2. cafe chelsea - chelsea, nyc: located inside the iconic Hotel Chelsea, (famous for the artists that once resided there: Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, Madonna) the interior transports you to paris while seamlessly blending into the historic building and glammed up rock & roll aesthetic. There’s the viral ravioles du Dauphiné, the croquette de chèvre, and the dark chocolate soufflé, which takes 30 minutes to prepare and is well worth the wait!

3. thai diner - soho, nyc: our favorite thai food in the city so far!! a fusion of thai cuisine and a mid-century american diner. come hungry for brunch or dinner and order the thai tea babka french toast, lobster omelette chu chee, the thai disco fries, and uncle boon’s famous coconut sundae(!!!)

4. BRAT - shoreditch, london: the kind of place you linger in for hours over a bottle of wine and shared plates. basque food is cooked over an open wood fire in a warm, wood-paneled space. the roast duck rice and quail skewer were memorable, and (oddly enough) I can’t stop thinking about the bread & burnt onion butter! already planning to go back and splurge on their signature whole turbot.

5. dishoom - soho, london: on every list of required eating in london and it did not disappoint!! bombay comfort food of tandooris and spicy masalas paired with cocktails with their signature twists: the east india gimlet, premier padmini negroni, and the monsoon sesame espresso martini.

6. the barbary - covent garden, london: one of the very best overall culinary experiences of the year!! in the quaint cobblestone ally of neal’s yard you’ll find this hidden gem, where moroccan and north african dishes are cooked in front of you at the zinc-topped horseshoe bar. we had our server pick our entire menu for the evening, standouts being the spiced labneh, moroccan cigars(!!), galician octopus, and the knafeh, a deep fried pistachio and cheese pastry. yes, chef.

   

7. the berkeley bar & terrace - knightsbridge, london: come for immaculate design, stay for curated craft cocktails. this intimate bar has an undeniable air of glamour. sip a “velvet fizz” between reclaimed walnut-paneled walls, plasterwork frieze, and stunning multi-face-ted mural painted by new york-based artist TM Davy.

8. sketch - mayfair, london: another london essential: over-the-top, oh-so-fun, unmissable. we came for the afternoon tea in the gallery (designed by India Mahdavi, one of my absolute favorite designers) and ended up staying until the evening to experience each of the theatrical spaces. there’s the three-michelin star lecture room and library, the maximalist, neon adorned parlour, and tucked in the back under the viral egg-shaped bathroom pods (yes) is the vibey little east bar. 10/10.

9. tigre - LES, nyc: behind an unassuming graffiti-worn door, you enter into a seemingly new dimension of polished steel and microsuede. the banquettes are all upholstered in dedar’s iconic ‘tiger mountain’ jacquard velvet, a fortuny chandelier hangs over the central bar, and the entire lounge is fueled with the dynamic energy of downtown manhattan: sophisticated, sexy, androgenous. the cocktail menu reads from “then to now” with unique takes on the classics, and there’s a custom martini menu where you can choose your ratio, as well as the “perfect” and “cigarette” martinis.

10. mono+mono - east village, nyc: by day, a cafe and le bouquet ny, revealed behind their large folding window to be a stunning floral shop. by night, a lively restaurant with korean chicken wings, bibimbap, soju cocktails and a DJ spinning jazz records from their 30,000+ vinyl collection. this was one of our most frequented spots in east village!

11. le dive - LES, nyc: our go-to bar in nyc. a french-tabec inspired natural wine bar, perfect for sitting outside at the bistro tables with shared plates, hanging at the buzzy neon lit bar with a dirty martini, or dancing the night away downstairs under the disco ball.

12. nowon - east village, nyc: the music is hip-hop, the disco ball is spinning, and the smashburger is insaaane good- this is peak east village vibes. order the legendary burger with roasted kimchi, the black truffle rice cakes, the tots (honey garlic butter or curry spiced), and the black sesame crème brûlée(!!) for dessert.

    

13. bar pisellino - west village, nyc: from the acclaimed chef’s of via carota and i sodi, this morning-till-late italian bar is an essential stop in the village. come for espresso and bomboloni inside the beautifully appointed space, or for a negroni and cacio e pepe chips in the evening. our favorite: an espresso martini al fresco.

14. château le cagnard - haut de cagnes, france: for the most special of occasions. located about 30 minutes from nice in the south of france, this michelin restaurant within the eponymous hotel, a chateau atop a medieval village, was one of the top culinary experiences of my life. sit on the romantic terrace, with a view that stretches as far as cap d'antibes, and enjoy a flawless contemporary and seasonal provençal meal. their interpretation of a “deconstructed affagato” was without question the best dessert of the year.

15. le plongeoir - nice, france: dining on a pillar of rock over the côte d'azur.. it doesn’t get better than this. this culturally significant emblem of the city of nice orginates from the nineteenth century, when a stylish fishing boat was secured on the rock before it was reenvisioned into the restaurant it is today. I visited this bucket list spot years ago and we finally returned this year to experience it again. the food (ceviche with kumquat, rigatoni with summer truffle) is great, the views and atmosphere are even better.

16. la réserve à la plage - st tropez, france: the pampelonne beach version of the two-michelin star réserve ramatuelle is a sexy st tropez beach club, smartly designed by philippe starck to return to the original saint tropez spirit and surroundings. the wooden barstools are hand-chiseled, the woven light fixtures are strung from a thatched wood roof, and the daybeds are quite possibly the most perfect spot in all of st tropez to sip a pornstar martini beachside. the food was incredibly fresh: watermelon and feta salad, sea bream ceviche with truffle and ponzu dressing.

17. cañete - el raval, barcelona: this tapas spot is listed in every barcelona foodie guide we’ve read, (for good reason!) and yet it still remains a local favorite. If you come at the typical dinner time in spain (10pm), you’ll find the bar lively and packed, with conversations flowing in catalan. some tapas still living rent free in my mind: the lobster croquettes, squid sandwhich, and grilled iberian pork loin.

18. la pepita - eixample, barcelona: a life changing meal. best tapas ever!! patatas bravas (obviously), duck breast sashimi, grilled octopus on potato mash, steak tartare, and don’t leave barcelona without having pan con tomate y jamón ibérico (bread with tomato and Iberian ham, a catalan classic). their sangria is also 10/10.

    

19. maison premiere - williamsburg, brooklyn: a totally transporative experience. you’ll think you’re in new orleans or paris in the 1920’s rather than brooklyn in 2020’s. order oysters (over 30 varieties on the menu) and the nat king cole martini, served tableside. our favorite bar of the year!

20. vinegar hill house - vinegar hill, brooklyn: the sweetest little spot serving seriously good food on a quiet, cobblestone street in vinegar hill. the interior feels like an antique shop, the backyard an ivy-strung garden perfect for al fresco dining. we may be a little biased, (we hosted our engagement party here!) but we think this is a great spot for a small celebration. don’t forget to top off your meal with their famous chocolate guinness cake(!!) we’ll be coming back for brunch this year, as many claim this is the best brunch in new york.

21. pasjoli - santa monica, ca: a luxe bistro in santa monica from a james beard award-winning chef. everything was exquisite: scallop quenelle with caviar in beurre blanc, deviled eggs with chive w/ duck skin, and the canard bordelaise.

22. damien - arts district, los angeles: from the chef of pujol, (#1 on my restaurants to try, need to book a trip to mexico city asap!) damien has also been a bucket list restaurant for years and it exceeded expectations! the contemporary mexican cuisine features seasonal californian produce: the guacamole, salmon tostada, and pescado a la talla (dry aged-branzino) were all amazing, the hibiscus meringue a really unique and beautiful dessert.

23. l’apero - brooklyn heights: l’apero, from the trendy brooklyn heights bakery l’appartement 4F, is a natural wine bar serving small plates above the bakery each night. this is a quaint spot (candle-lit, bistro tables, thonet chairs) for date night or girl dinner. it’s all about the carbs here: house bread and butter and sunchoke and comté potato gratin- and since this is a bakery, you don’t say no to dessert. & the dessert you order is the salted tahini cookie sundae with kirsch cherries.

24. red hook tavern - red hook, brooklyn: simply the best burger. ever.

    

et voilà, bon appétit! Can’t wait to eat our way through 2025!

XO,

Jess

When you think “Winter in California”, the first places that likely come to mind are Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes, and you would be hard-pressed to find more beautiful winter wonderlands than these world renowned skiing destinations. While they absolutely should be on your travel bucket list, these are not the only destinations worthy of a winter getaway in the Golden State- especially if embracing the snow isn’t your idea of the perfect vacation. Winter is a great time to find solace in the mild-temperate coastal towns that are much less crowded than in peak season.

California’s Big Sur coast is a masterpiece of nature: towering cliffsides with majestic redwood forests breaking way to dramatic, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. This rugged, scenic stretch of coastline is the most breathtaking portion of California Highway 1, the PCH, known as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Note: While I wouldn’t recommend a long, extended PCH drive in the winter due to the chance of rain and potential road closures (you can always check the status of current road conditions on the Big Sur’s Visitor Guide) Deetjen’s is located just 30 miles south of the town of Carmel, 16 miles south of the famous Bixby Bridge, and only 4.5 miles south of Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, meaning most of the highlights of the area are in close proximity to your hotel. Closest airports: Monterey, San Jose, and San Francisco.

You’ll find Deetjen’s nestled on the edge of a redwood forest, seemingly preserved in a time capsule from the 1930’s when the family first built it. While living in a tent beside the Castro Canyon Creek, Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen first constructed a barn with local reclaimed redwood, (now the restaurant and heart of the property) and over the years continued to add to the Inn in their native Norwegian architectural style that would eventually define the Big Sur vernacular. Even in the earliest years, adventurous travelers came to stay for weeks to hike, eat, and write- the area inspiring artists and attracting famous writers such as Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac. For decades guests have added to the Inn's journals, which are available to read in each of the cozy rooms.

The property immediately takes you back to it’s history and rustic charm. It is off the grid, allowing for full connection with the landscape. The process of checking in involves signing a large, vintage bookkeeper’s log before being shown to one of your rooms, each cabin with a unique name and style.

The rooms are tastefully simple and full of ambiance, some with their own wood-burning fireplace to curl up at. The furnishings are quaint and timeless. You can purchase a bottle of wine from the onsite restaurant and bring it back to your room or private deck for a cozy evening. We stayed in the Fireplace Room (pictured below), and would also recommend the Creek House Rooms and New Room with a windowpane view of the redwoods and canyon below.

Just a short path from your room is the restaurant, where you dine at candle lit tables in the intimate rooms. When you enter, classical music plays softly, a fireplace crackles and burns, and delicious meals are being served on various vintage plates. We ordered the Seared Duck Breast and the Filet Mignon with the Black Truffle Roasted Potato Corn Cake (both excellent) for dinner and had breakfast there each morning. The ambiance and decor is a charming ode to the English countryside.

A stay at Deetjen’s should always consist of spending time enjoying the grounds. Take a leisurely stroll through the property, which boasts a canyon, waterfall and walking path through the redwoods. We felt so renewed and ready to explore Big Sur thanks to our amazing stay here.

What To Do:

• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for a gorgeous waterfall and hike

• See the iconic Bixby Bridge

• A massage and soak at the luxurious eco-spa at Ventana Big Sur

• Visit Point Lobos Nature Preserve & the famous 17-mile scenic drive

• Grab a hot coffee and go whale watching: Gray whales can be seen from Big Sur from December through April as they migrate south

• Daytrip to the town of Carmel, with it’s English cottages and Swiss Alpine chalets housing restaurants, art galleries, and shopping

Where To Eat:

• Sierra Mar at the Post Ranch Inn for fine dining in the sky

• The Sur House at Ventana Big Sur for a celebratory meal

• Nepenthe for cliffside California dining

• Coast for coffee or wine on the many terraces overlooking the Pacific

Big Sur was our first trip we took when we moved to California and our last before we left for New York, and a place we visited many times in between. It always draws me back!

We’d love to hear what you discover!

XO,

Jess

Travel design for the creative set.

These collections of places, spaces, and the stories they tell are a part of our ongoing discovery process of the world around us. We share our favorite finds in cities across the globe—from unique boutique stays to our favorite restaurants and experiences—all through a discerning, design-savvy lens.

Sojourn is defined as a temporary stay that has a lasting impact; an immersion into a community and place that is not one’s own. We believe that travel and outstanding design can shape perspectives, ignite inspiration, and expand our world.

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XO,

Jess

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