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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