In short… Located amidst the luxury fashion houses and designer shops of Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Plaza Athénée’s historic ties to Dior and haute couture live on in its design and fashionable clientele.

The vibe… The hotel is instantly recognizable by its signature red awnings, geranium-filled window boxes, and terrace crowded with those lucky enough to snag one of the coveted tables overlooking the tree-lined street. Passing through an elegant lobby with marble columns and elaborate floral arrangements, guests enter the all-day restaurant, La Galerie, which is essentially a long, grand corridor with seating on either side and a wall of windows looking onto the courtyard. As it connects to other parts of the hotel, it provides a fun, see-and-be-seen vibe echoed by the terrace out front. Not surprisingly, it’s a favorite with fashion editors and execs, so booking a room during any Paris fashion week is likely impossible.

The backstory… Though originally opened in 1913, the hotel’s association with fashion began when Christian Dior opened his original couture house just across the street in 1946. A frequent patron of the hotel, Dior was even inspired to create the “Bar Suit” for the New Look collection by the Art Deco bar at Le Relais Plaza.

The rooms… My suite was quintessentially Parisian, with heavy silk curtains, thick wall-to-wall carpet, French doors and a crystal chandelier above the bed. The minibar was hidden in a chic, black lacquered cabinet with gold trim, and a Dior yoga mat was inside the closet. 

There are also two floors with Art Deco-style rooms, and several suites with balconies or patios and views of the Eiffel Tower. 

The food and drink…. In addition to La Galerie and the terrace, the hotel offers dining in the courtyard during warmer months, and in its two restaurants, Le Relais Plaza, and the Michelin-starred Jean Imbert. Originally opened in 1936, Le Relais’ dining room is a true Art Deco gem, with the original curved bar and Lalique chandeliers. The food is elevated, French comfort food, with dinner offerings like a niçoise tart, beef filet in brioche, and a whole roasted chicken with potatoes. I didn’t eat at Jean Imbert, but the space is stunning and has an incredible communal, marble table that is over 30 feet long.

The wellness… This is the flagship Dior spa and it doesn’t disappoint. Set on the lower ground floor, the space underwent a renovation in 2023, and the polished, cream walls look as if they’re glowing from within. The pampering started with a pink “glow shot” (a mix of rose water, collagen, and cherry blossom extract) served in a crystal glass. My massage therapist was incredible and even gave me an extra ten minutes because “she could tell I needed it.” Afterwards, I lounged in the Grand Salon de Relaxation, listening to the sounds of the marble fountain and covered with a heavy, cotton Dior blanket.

Be sure to…. Book advance tickets to the Dior Museum, which is just two blocks away.

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In short… A storied hotel with a colorful past exudes elegance without taking itself too seriously. 

The vibe…. Entering Le Meurice feels almost like stepping into a version of Alice in Wonderland set at Versailles. The lobby is a shiny mix of gilded moldings, mirrored French doors, and marble columns accented by two contemporary art pieces – first, a sixish-foot tall sculpture called “The Kiss” by Zoulikha Bouabdellah (imagine two ornate white columns twisted in embrace) and an oversized frosted mirror, designed by Phillipe Starck, which guests are invited to draw or write on with their fingers (an especially big hit with kids). The hotel’s signature mix of modern art and 18th-century grandeur is owing both to the hotel’s rich history with artists like Salvador Dali and two refurbishments, in 2007 and 2016, by French designer Philippe Starck. 

The backstory…  After an extensive renovation in 1858, Le Meurice became a favorite with contemporary artists – Picasso held his 1918 wedding reception to Olga Khokhlova at the hotel, and most famously, Salvador Dali stayed at the hotel for a month each year, even bringing along his pet ocelot, Babou. Fittingly, when Starck collaborated with his daughter, Ara, on the 2016 updates, they continued adding modern elements like draping a 1,500-square-foot hand-painted tapestry by Ara over the ceiling of the Dali restaurant, and replacing the traditional Louis XVI-inspired chairs in Le Meurice’s restaurant with Knoll white leather Saarinen Tulip chairs.

The surroundings…. Located on Rue de Rivoli, and between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, Le Meurice is a perfect base if sights and luxury shopping are on your agenda in Paris. Plus, it’s just a minute’s walk from the historic tea room and patisserie, Angelina (tip: the line forms early on weekends – be prepared to wait), so enjoy a Mont-Blanc and then walk it off in the Tuileries Garden, directly across the street. 

The rooms… While each room in the hotel is different, they share the public spaces’ combination of French classicism with touches of contemporary design. My dreamy suite on the 5th floor housed a cozy sitting room with slanted ceiling and pink de Gournay wallpaper. Another sofa in the main bedroom was placed beneath a crystal chandelier, and two juliette balconies opened up to a peaceful courtyard. The bathroom floor and walls were covered in gray and white Italian marble, and three stained glass windows illuminated the bath. 

The food and drink…. The hotel has two restaurants – the more relaxed Le Dali, and the Alain Ducasse, two Michelin-starred Le Meurice, which is an opulent space inspired by the Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles. True to the property’s spirit, Starck designed and added decorative stainless steel room screens covered in sketches and photographs. Breakfast was the only meal I had here, but it was a stand-out—from the decadent bread and pastries by Cedric Grolet to the most elegant (and delicious) eggs Benedict I have ever seen. 

The wellness… Along with a well-appointed gym, the Valmont spa (the only one in the city) offers facials and treatments featuring products from the luxury Swiss skincare brand. I have extremely sensitive skin and generally avoid facials, but decided to take a calculated risk and booked one here. I’m so happy I did – not only was it a thoroughly relaxing hour but, according to a friend, it literally made my skin glow. I can say I’m now officially a believer and am actively rationing my remaining samples.

Be sure to…. Have a cocktail at Bar 228, the hotel’s classic, old-school bar with dark wood-paneled walls and a frescoed ceiling dating from the early 1900s.

Date of stay… April 2025

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In short… The newest outpost of family-owned and -run SHA combines cutting-edge med-tech with holistic healing on a sandy beach north of Cancun.

The background… SHA opened in Alicante, Spain, in 2008 and was at the time a pioneer of integrative detox and anti-aging therapies. The family opened the Mexico clinic in 2024 with programs similar to those of the flagship, but with some therapies rooted in indigenous cultures, like Temazcal ceremonies.

 The look & feel… The clinic’s curved, contemporary exterior (the shape was inspired by the DNA double helix) is impressive, topped only by the lobby’s stunning ocean views and cavernous ceiling—it was giving James Bond from the moment I walked in. Overall, the property is sleek and modern with warm touches, like local wicker and ceramics, textiles, furniture made from native woods and an airy central courtyard. The design of the treatment floors is just clean and white enough to feel like a proper medical facility without the sterile hospital vibes. 

The rooms….. In the days leading up to my visit, I was able to select my preferred mattress firmness and pillow style (firm, down filling), which was such an unexpected luxury! Like all of the 100 rooms at SHA, mine was a suite with an ocean view and decorated in calming, warm neutrals with an enormous closet and chic pocket doors into the bathroom. The glass doors out to the balcony provided an uninterrupted view of the water—there was even a second outdoor access point from the bathroom shower, providing a gorgeous view if you aren’t shy. Everything from the curtains to the Do Not Disturb sign were digital and operated via several control panels throughout the space. 

The Programs…. Since I only had four days to spend at the property, I chose the Rebalance and Energize program, which is the shortest option (though after an over-indulgent December, it sounded perfect to me)—most plans are 7 days, and the longest is 21. My visit started with a general health examination by one of the nurses, including a 3D-body scan, cognitive domain test and nervous system analysis, among others—all were quick, painless and non-invasive. My results were reviewed in a follow-up appointment with one of the doctors, who then recommended additional treatments and classes to my agenda planner (the staff member who organizes and schedules all the guests appointments). Included in the program were acupuncture, IV ozone therapy, a private yoga lesson, and a three-minute cryotherapy session that made the pain of a terrible bruise I’d gotten the previous day vanish. Myriad treatments, both medical and holistic, can be added (at additional cost) to address specific needs, like sleep problems or gut health. 

Food & Drink… As someone who’s never been especially mindful of my diet, I admit I was apprehensive and I wondered if I should stock up on contraband snacks at the airport (which I did not). Like all first-time guests, I met with a nutritionist who recommended the “Biolite” menu—of the three set menus, Kushi is the most restrictive, SHA is the least, and Biolite is in between. She personalized it based on my test results (a side of hemp seeds for extra protein, a tablespoon of Umeboshi paste to combat inflammation) and my personal taste (I’m allergic to nuts and intensely dislike cucumbers, two things that seem to be ubiquitous in healthy cuisine). I quickly realized I needn’t have worried—the food was amazing, and inspired me to keep a few habits going at home: miso soup for breakfast, a shot of apple cider vinegar before lunch and dinner, and significantly more vegetables than I had ever included in my daily routine. Although healthy snacks were available during the day, I honestly never felt the need to. One warning: there is no coffee.    

The spa/wellness… My favorite way to spend time between appointments was in the Wellness Center’s heated indoor pool, saunas (traditional and infrared), and steam room. The slippers provided in your room are perfect for traversing wet floors.  Traditional spa services, like massages – I had a fantastic Shiatsu – are serviced in the clinic’s fourth floor treatment rooms.

Be sure to… Take a private mindfulness class with Isabel—I laughed, I cried, I felt like I’d just had therapy. And attend a cooking class, even just to listen—I was surprised by how much I learned, and I’ve made some of the recipes at home. Also, definitely download the SHA app—it not only gives you your daily schedule, but it also saves your test results and nutritional recommendations. Return guests are able to compare results from previous visits and track their progress. 

Parting words… Full disclosure, I have never taken “wellness” very seriously, but I must admit that I felt so good after four days at the clinic that I’ve changed my own eating habits more than I have in living memory. Now I’m thinking that this lifestyle (healthy food, meditation, proper sleep) might actually be a positive mid-life crisis. I am already considering another visit next year and wondering if these visits could replace many of my annual doctor visits.

Date of stay… January 2025

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In short… Nômade is a quiet, wellness-focused retreat offering mystically themed workshops (think lucid dreaming and tarot card reading) in a luxurious, jungle-like setting.

The surroundings…. The car-free island of Holbox is reached via ferry from Chiquilá, a two and a half hour drive from the Cancun airport. Upon arrival, I found my ATV taxi driver and we traversed the bumpy dirt roads, first passing the town square crowded with shops and restaurants (omakase, anyone?), onto the beach past a parade of oceanfront hotels, and finally to the property’s entrance – an overgrown dirt path under a canopy of trees. Compared to the rest of the island’s bustling activity and numerous construction sites, Nômade was remarkably quiet and serene. I was greeted at the outdoor front desk by the barefoot concierge, Eric, who gave me a tour of the property. I can honestly say that I doubt I could have navigated the very lush property by myself. 

The rooms… The property has 30 rooms, including six treehouses that stand 23-feet high. I stayed on the ground in a canvas-walled Moon Temple room, which seems like a glamping tent from the exterior, but then ups the luxury with a private patio complete with outdoor copper tub, premium linens, and the comfort of air conditioning and wi-fi.

The food and drink….The beachfront hotel restaurant, La Popular, serves all three meals, as well as coffee and drinks. The comfortable, low-slung chairs and benches sit atop overlapping Moroccan rugs and beneath an arched thatch ceiling that maintains the indoor-outdoor vibe of the rest of the property. The food was exceptional—the freshest seafood and steaks prepared on an outdoor grill—with delicious juices and cocktails. 

The wellness…. There is no spa, but yoga is offered every morning in the Gratitude Tent, and a series of rotating workshops are held in the afternoons, all of which are free to guests of the hotel. The signature wellness offering is Agua Magica, in which a guide essentially spins and submerges you in the ocean in order to quiet the rational mind and deeply relax. Since my stay didn’t align with the Agua Magica group workshop, Wellness Director Laura Samper arranged an individual session for me, and I can attest that it not only relaxed my body, but made me feel noticeably more present for the rest of the day. Other private sessions on offer include crystal reiki, dream decoding, essential oil alchemy, and a cacao ceremony, as well as the more traditional massage, yoga, and pilates. 

Be sure to… Experience Holbox’s bioluminescent waters! It’s best seen on a clear night—the staff can advise on the best time and place to witness this sparkling, glowy phenomena courtesy of microscopic organisms that emit light in the water.

Date of stay… December 2024

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I’ve been wanting to take another trip to southern Africa ever since I returned from my first visit, a safari in Botswana, in March of 2020—just days before Covid travel restrictions kicked in. Last month, I was invited to return, this time to the tip of South Africa, by the PR team for two hotels in the Cape Town area. The plan was to fly into Cape Town for two days, then continue on to the Winelands Region. While I initially felt a twinge of disappointment that the trip didn’t feature a safari—especially after the 15-hour flight from NYC—I was thrilled at the prospect of experiencing one of the world’s southernmost cities, with the most unique of residents: penguins.

After the long flight, it was a mercifully quick 20-minute drive from the airport, where we checked into Cape Grace, a storied Cape Town property that opened in 1996 and was one of the first hotels on the V&A Waterfront—think NYC’s South Street Seaport on a much larger scale. The oldest working harbor in the country, the V&A was reinvigorated throughout the 2000s as a restaurant, retail, and cultural hub, including the huge Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Having recently reopened after a nine-month renovation by design firm 1508 London, the hotel leans into its location with windows spanning its rear side, overlooking the yacht marina and harbor. While much of the decor is classic—beautifully covered wingback chairs and leather sofas—there is also a deep sense of place, with displays of local objets and books about South Africa throughout. (You can read my full hotel review here!) 

It was late afternoon by the time I had settled into my room, and I thankfully had the rest of the day free. Though it was almost sunset, I headed across the Bascule Bridge to see a bit of the Waterfront (several locals mentioned that it is safe to walk the Waterfront after dark, which is not the case in a few other Cape Town neighborhoods). I started at the Time Out food market, which houses 17 food stalls from some of Cape Town’s best restaurants and chefs. I had a glass of Chenin Blanc from Culture Wines and Peruvian ceviche from The Melting Pot, both of which were excellent and surprisingly affordable (the exchange rate really works in your favor if you’re coming from the US or Europe). The wine, followed by a luxurious soak in my suite’s marble tub, rejuvenated me from the seemingly endless travel day, and I couldn’t wait to see more of the city. 

In the morning, I had coffee in the hotel’s main restaurant, Heirloom, a bright space centered around a large marble bar, which overlooks the harbor and was peacefully quiet at 9am—long after all the group tours in head-to-toe khaki had rushed out to make their safari camp flights. The restaurant staff were gracious and relaxed, and service was friendly and efficient (I thought it spoke volumes that the majority of staff were kept on during the renovation). Once the full group had arrived, we took a helicopter tour over the coast and Robben Island, where Nelson Madela and other political prisoners were incarcerated until the fall of apartheid. It’s now a museum and World Heritage Site that offers tours of the prison, including Nelson Mandela’s cell. (There are several helicopter tour companies based on the Waterfront, and you can book a 30-minute tour for about $200.)

The Cape Grace team suggested lunch at Tang, one of their favorite sushi spots, and the extremely fresh fish seemed like the perfect accompaniment to the water views we enjoyed outside the large windows. Full and happy, we explored more of the sprawling waterfront, which has more than 450 shops, 80 restaurants and more boats than you can possibly imagine. I loved the Watershed, a huge market housing local craft and design vendors—it’s definitely the place to snag unique souvenirs like ceramics, art, and for me, crocheted stuffed animals for all the kids in my life. If you like wildlife, seals are usually lounging on the pier behind the Two Oceans Aquarium (I found them so amusing to watch that I went back twice). And don’t miss the incredible sunset behind Table Mountain at the end of the day. 

Before leaving Cape Town proper, we drove up to Signal Hill, where the views of the ocean and Table Mountain are absolutely stunning. Our driver described several hikes he enjoys on the mountain and I added the Lion’s Head Trail to my list of must-dos on the next trip (right after a visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguin colony).

After checking out of Cape Grace, we made the 45-minute drive to Babylonstoren, a 500-acre property in the Franschhoek wine valley that includes vineyards, an epic garden, three restaurants, lodgings and shops. Our visit started with a garden tour led by master gardener Gungula Deutschlander, who has been with the property since its opening in 2007, and whose angelic demeanor, flower crown, and encyclopedic knowledge of each plant had us referring to her as the “garden fairy.” The last stop of the tour was the healing garden—one of the newest additions—in which all the flora and fauna are labeled with their medicinal function. At lunch in the glass-enclosed Greenhouse restaurant, we were able to choose cut plants and herbs from the healing garden to steep in our tea. Magical! 

Post-lunch, we hopped into golf carts en route to the Fynbos Cottages, a group of houses set back in the vineyards, just a few minutes drive from property’s hub (bicycles are also provided), where I clocked not just one but two pools available to guests. Though they aren’t original farmhouse buildings like many of the structures on site, one would be hard pressed to guess—the cottages share the same whitewashed Dutch exteriors and mix of traditional farmhouse features and contemporary design on the inside. Ours was situated around a courtyard with loungers and the aforementioned private pool, and with 5 bedrooms would be perfect for a multi-gen family or large group of friends (see my full description of the property here). 

We capped off the evening with an open-Jeep tour up the Simonsberg mountain, along the way passing olive plants, many varieties of grapes and the signature fynbos flowers. Eventually our driver stopped and led us up a dozen or so steep steps to enjoy some Babylonstoren Pinot Noir and watch the incredible sunset.

The next day, we toured the water buffalo farm (the property makes both water buffalo cheese and ice cream!), and even got to bottle-feed some of the youngest calves. After that cuteness overload, we finally had our cellar tour and wine tasting. All I will say is that I went home with more bottles of wine than I care to share (the staff know how to safely and efficiently pack the bottles for travel). The 230-acres of vineyards produces 13 different varieties of grapes, and visitors can book a tasting, whether they are staying on property or by purchasing a day pass (there is also the Franschhoek wine tram, which is a hop-on hop-off tour stopping at Babylonstoren and other wineries in the region). Buzzing from all the good wine, we shopped the Scented Room’s floor-to-ceiling displays of Babylonstoren bath and body products, all of which are compounded on site with botanicals from the garden. Down the path past the chicken coop and donkey paddock, the farm shop sells meat, cheese and produce from the property, as well as baked goods and tins of its own olive oil and tea.

I really wish I’d had more time to explore both the city and other parts of the Winelands—my must-do list for a return trip just kept getting longer (did I mention the penguins?). But while these destinations are often used as a soft landing en route to (or from) a safari—connecting to either South Africa’s Kruger National Park or Maun, Botswana—I found in the end that I didn’t miss the safari part at all, and felt like even despite a 15-hour flight, this pair of diverse places could easily justify a vacation in themselves.

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In short…  Classic Americana on Shelter Island 

The surroundings… Set on almost 10 acres of land, The Pridwin property comprises the original, white clapboard building, as well as 16 cottages, tennis and pickleball courts, a chicken coop, expanses of lawn, and a pool. Across from the front lawn is a dock and small beach, and the tranquil Peconic Bay is perfect for easy paddleboarding and kayaking, or a ride on the hotel’s boat, Fred’s Folly.

The backstory… The hotel first opened in 1927, and has been family-owned by the Petry family since 1961. After partnering with Cape Resorts in 2021, a renovation restored many of the  original features, including the white clapboard facade, the original hardwood floors, vintage wainscotting, and antique chandeliers (one even dating from 1927). They also added a spa and updated both the public spaces and all 33 guest rooms. 

The vibe…  The Pridwin has a nostalgic, summer camp-for-all-ages feel reminiscent of Dirty Dancing (there are even staff accommodations on site!). Multiple communal rooms – including a wood-paneled-but-make-it-chic games room –  encourage guests to mingle, and the large property offers a range of activities to suit all personalities. In addition to the beach and pool, guests can enjoy lawn games and complimentary bicycles, as well as ping pong and arcade games. Memorabilia from the hotel’s history can be found almost everywhere, including a key rack with the original room keys behind the new front desk.

The rooms… My room was a mix of beachy blues and pastels, and had the cutest scalloped shelves above the minibar. I also loved the pillow embroidered with the hotel’s crest, not to mention the amazing water view.

The food & drink… Seafood-focused classics like lobster rolls, crab cakes and grilled fish are standouts at the hotel’s restaurant, The Terrace,  but we heard from multiple people that the traditional Wednesday night barbeques are the real highlight. Started in the 1960s, the staff-led casual cookouts feature live music and are said to be a favorite of both guests and locals.   

The wellness… Located on the ground floor, the new Pridwin Spa has three treatment rooms, a hammam, saunas, and a fitness room. Framed, vintage swimsuits hang on the walls, which are  covered in a charming, clover-patterned Josef Frank wallpaper. Yolo-favorite ONDA beauty is offering bespoke facials during its summer residency. 

How to get there…..Ferries depart from Sag Harbor and Greenport – no reservations are required for the five-minute journey, but both are cash only. I learned there is even a seaplane service (Tailwind Air) from Manhattan that will drop you right at Crescent Beach!

Date of stay… September 2024

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In short… Babylonstoren is the chicest farm I could possibly dream up! Set just outside Cape Town in the Franschhoek winelands, Babylonstoren is a more-than-you-can-imagine property that combines luxury accommodation, epic gardens, award-winning vineyards and three excellent restaurants on a historic 500-acre Cape Dutch farm.

The look & feel… Historic Cape Dutch architecture on the outside with pared-back contemporary design and furniture on the inside. The traditional thick, whitewashed walls and gables remain, but the insides have been energized with glass panels and furniture by Phillipe Starck, Kartell and Magis, among others. Unsurprisingly, the creative force and owner, with her husband Koos Bekker, is Karen Roos, former editor of Elle Decoration South Africa (you may know their more recently opened UK property, The Newt). 

The garden…Designed by French architect Patrice Tavarella, the garden is somehow both stunningly manicured and visitor-friendly—children are encouraged to explore the impeccable gravel paths and visitors are free to pick fruit and vegetables from the beds and orchards. Everything grown is either edible or medicinal, and the highlight for me was the healing garden, where, just past the Greenhouse, the plantings are labeled with their health benefits and you can then steep tea with personally chosen herbs and plants.

As I learned on my garden tour, Tavarella took inspiration for the 12-acre garden at the heart of the property from the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town, which grew fruit and vegetables for Dutch East India Company sailors traversing the spice route between Asia and Europe. 

The rooms… We stayed in the Fynbos Cottages, which are newly built in the Cape Dutch style  and blend in perfectly among the vineyards and orchards a short golf cart ride away from the hub of the property. The main structure housed a kitchen enclosed with glass on two sides, and I loved the rattan egg chair hanging in front of a glass wall overlooking a small pond. Most of the rooms are dotted around the central courtyard and pool, and the entire house accommodates up to 10 guests. The rooms are furnished all in white with a modern, four-poster bed, rustic wooden floors, and a small Magis puppy stool next to the fireplace. Traditional wooden shutters push out from the windows and the room has both a set of glass doors and wooden doors to suit the level of privacy desired.

Food & Drink… Each of the three restaurants is not to be missed and are open to both guests and day visitors. The Greenhouse restaurant is as described with a few tables in the large glass greenhouse and many more on the patio just outside. It serves a limited menu for breakfast and lunch, and the simple gnocchi I had with parmesan, fresh herbs and Babylonstoren’s own 3-year-old, barrel-aged balsamic was a perfect introduction to the farm to fork cuisine the property specializes in. 

Dinner was Italian night in The Old Bakery (the restaurant only serves family-style dinners and alternates between Italian and Carnivore nights). The four course menu includes antipasto, salad, pasta and incredible wood-fired pizza. Of course, each course was accompanied by a variety of Babylonstoren wines, and the small room felt like a party by the end of the night. Just when I thought I would never eat again, we showed up for breakfast at Babel and I saw its epic buffet of cold pressed juices, freshly baked bread, charcuterie and cheeses from both the property and a neighboring farm, not to mention a full honeycomb.. Don’t check out without sampling the water buffalo cheeses and gelato, produced from the property’s own herd of water buffalo.

The activities… Too many to count! Guests and visitors alike can book wine cellar, olive oil and garden tours, workshops in beekeeping, essential oils, baking, and flower-crown making, to name a small few, The newest offering is Soetmelksvlei, an adjacent farm that showcases the methods and lifestyle of the 19th century—tour the original farmhouse, watch traditional carpentry, learn butter-making and visit with the farm animals. Visitors can have lunch at the on-site restaurant and pursue the farm shop before heading back. 

The spa/wellness… The stunning indoor-outdoor pool is housed on one end in a lofty, barn-like structure and has a whirlpool, sauna and steam room on the other. I had a lovely massage and heard raves about the hammam treatment.

Be sure to… Take the garden tour with master gardener, Gundula, who has been at the property since its inception in 2007.

Date of stay… October 2024

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In short… Cape Grace is one of Cape Town’s best-known luxury hotels gets a well-heeled renovation by noted design firm 1508 London. 

The look & feel… Polished and eclectic, the new design mixes classic furniture with a sizable collection of artwork curated from local artists, and takes advantage of the hotel’s enviable position on a private quay in the V&A Waterfront. Most of the spaces facing the harbor, including the Library Bar and the Heirloom restaurant, are wall-to-ceiling windows, providing an incredible backdrop that changes throughout the day. 

The rooms… I stayed in a suite overlooking the harbor, and truthfully, it was larger than my apartment in New York (we toured a regular room and it was surprisingly spacious as well). The furniture is classic and understated, lots of creams and whites, punctuated with colorfully patterned rugs. Both rooms had balconies from which you could watch the boats and look for seals, and I loved the addition of a dressing room outside the bathroom with a vanity table and closets. The living room had a full size bar—not a minibar—and the shelves were stocked with books on South African history and culture. 

Food & Drink… The Library offers casual food, tea and cocktails throughout the day and it’s worth spending time perusing the local artwork, books, and especially the “cabinet of curiosities,” in which each object—rare books, artifacts, fossils—is designed to tell a story about the country’s heritage. The main restaurant, Heirloom, has transitioned from a formal five course dinner, to a menu that focuses on a modern approach to South African classics. The Bascule Bar is a local favorite and you can either sit on the outside patio overlooking the water, or in the cozy, dark interior.

The spa/wellness… The newly-built Fairmont Spa is small but immaculate and offers a sauna, steam room, salt room, and experience shower (choose between settings like “Tropical Storm” and “Rainforest” and relax as it creates a multi-sensory experience with audio, lights, and water effects). 

Extra tip goes to…. The ever-smiling doormen who made me feel as if I’d been coming here for years. 

Date of stay… October 2024

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In short… The Henson is a new Catskills getaway in a 19th-century guest house, with sprawling gardens and a strong food game. 

The surroundings… While set in the tiny hamlet of Hensonville (population 321), The Henson is just minutes from Windham’s skiing and hiking—the charmingly illustrated brochure given to guests at check-in will outline all the best local activities and eateries. 

The vibe… British country cottage with contemporary accents—the living room’s curved bouclé sofa and vintage paintings make for a room that’s perfectly cozy-chic. 

The rooms… There are sixteen comfortably luxurious rooms with live plants, Frette robes, vintage artwork, and gorgeous natural light. Let the property know you are bringing your pup and they’ll include a Lay-lo dog bed and silicone bowls.

The wellness… Not much, but you can make use of the hotel’s yoga mats and infrared sauna.

The food & drink….The hotel restaurant, Matilda, serves excellent, elevated comfort food like dauphine potatoes, slow grilled chicken, and the best bread with cultured butter that I’ve had in ages. Large glass doors to the garden fill one end of the room with natural light, while the other end houses a vintage bar salvaged from the original property. Chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, of Wildair and Bar Contra in Manhattan, are partners in the property.     

Extra tip goes to… Jae, who stayed late at the front desk when I got caught in traffic.

Be sure to…. Enjoy your morning coffee out in idyllic garden or on the roof deck and take in views of the Catskill Mountains.

Parting words… Stroll down the hill and check out Day June Luncheonette and Paracasa Provisions, both also run by The Henson team.

Date of stay… September 2024

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In short… Palazzo Avino is a luxurious, family-owned 12th-century property overlooking the Amalfi coast with signature pink accents. 

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