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12 Hotels to check out this Summer
Summer wanderlust is officially in the air! I’ve heard that nearly the same amount of joy is measured in planning the trip as actually taking the trip! And I believe it. Having a few fun getaways to look forward to throughout the year is a real game changer. I looooove the planning phase. Researching hotels, restaurants, thinking about outfits I’ll wear at those hotels and restaurants…
If you weren’t reading Amuse Bouche back in February, the first issue was all about my favorite hotels of 2023. Lots of goodies there too. Here is a collection of some places I’ve been, some that are on my list, and all of them great for daydreaming about.
This is quite a long email so you may need to click view in browser in the upper right hand corner to see it all! Without further ado…12 Places I would love to go this Spring/Summer.
Palm Heights is officially the see and be seen hotel of the Caribbean. I have yet to be seen there, but through the recommendation of some friends, I would relish the opportunity! The design looks chic and sunny and fun with all those yellow umbrellas. I hear the spa is incredible and made entirely of quartz. People I trust highly, like
, say the food and wellness programming is top notch. There’s also a lovely boutique fully stocked with all the cool brands and exclusive collabs from the likes of Gohar, Tekla and Bode so you can look fab in your IG posts. Sign me up!
Reschio is an unbelievable estate in Umbria where one can purchase ancient ruins and, with the help of their in-house design team, rebuild them into the most glorious and perfect Italian villa of your dreams. Luckily for the rest of us, some of these folks then rent out their villas! We were lucky to stay in one of them a few years back with some friends and it was absolutely divine. It’s one of those perfect places where you can cook in a fully stocked, gorgeous kitchen or their chef can make you an amazing meal. Every single detail is considered here. There’s even a little private lake that you can book for the afternoon which is beyond idyllic. A picnic lunch is delivered to you there and you can play backgammon, go swimming, and wonder is this real life? They recently opened a new hotel on the property, which I hear is fab.
About a month ago, while on a trip to London, we were invited by some friends to join them at Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire for a few days. I LOVE the English countryside and jump at any opportunity to put on a cozy sweater, some wellies, go on a long walk and end up in an ancient pub. Estelle Manor is the sister property of London member’s club Maison Estelle, about two hours outside of London. It’s basically Saltburn in the best, non-murdery way. It’s quite posh and grand and has loads of rooms and bars and places to “sit soft” for a drink. We had an incredible, very fancy dinner at their in-house Chinese restaurant and found one of my favorite wines on their well-curated list, Fonte Canale from Tiberio (which I highly recommend). Estelle Manor is a place you can feel free to relax all day, spend hours in the thermal baths, then dress up as much as you want for dinner and an evening! There’s a Roman inspired bathhouse that also turns into a tiny nightclub with a grotto which is fun and hilarious. We were only there for a few days, but it was really lovely and meticulously done with millions of activities like padel, archery, axe throwing, falconry and more for kids and the young at heart (like mini-Land Rovers to cruise around in). Also, dog friendly!
House of Light is a meditation house in the Echigo-Tsumari region of Japan designed by James Turrell. The original concept was to have a space for three families to stay together, 1 group in each room and exchange thoughts. One of Turrell’s signature light exhibits is behind a retractable roof bringing the ‘Outside In’ at sunrise and sunset and is meant to be unexplainably beautiful. It’s a communal experience and the rate of your stay depends on how many others book at the same time. Bring amazing Japanese snacks and lean into the experience! Only a 2 hour train ride from Tokyo.
I hear Ett Hem is one of the nicest and most unique hotels in Europe. It’s a super cozy, personal, and elegant townhouse in Stockholm designed in gorgeous scandi style by Ilse Crawford. Lit candles and soft furnishings everywhere. Impeccable service. I also hear that the chef’s counter at the restaurant is a must! Planning on moving in here asap.
Drei Berge is a Swiss lodge founded by the creative genius behind Officine Universelle Buly. The design is full of personality and looks like Wes Anderson himself might enjoy a night or two here. I’ve been really craving some mountain walks and nice fresh air and Drei Berge is ticking all the boxes. There’s even a clay tennis court that looks actually unreal against the Alps. This, of course would be fab during the winter, but I personally love mountain towns even more in the summer. Bonus, escape the crowds that dominate Southern Europe this time of year.
Tonnara Di Scopello in Sicily is an ancient former tuna fishery that has been lovingly transformed into a small ‘hotel’. There are 12 charming apartments to choose from, all with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Nothing modern here, just perfectly simple and rustic rooms that transport you into a La Dolce Vita. Something about the water here is so special. Our friends Kate and Kearnon held their epic wedding here and I highly recommend for anyone wanting to throw a fabulous party. It’s about 2 hour drive from Palermo and quickly became one of our favorite places on earth!
I can’t believe I still haven’t been to La Colombe D’Or in Provence. It’s a precious, small hotel with a world class art collection. Admire the iconic Calder sculpture while you take a dip in the pool. After that, wander around taking in the pieces by Miro, Braque, Chagall, and more. Finally, end up at a very long lunch with lots of rosé et fromage. This is my dream day.
Casa Lawa is a colorful retreat in Sicily where you can take a cooking immersive, go to their Italo Disco party or just chill out for a couple days. Built from lava rock in 1812, Casa Lawa feels super modern, fun and low key. Verrrry into their pool furniture and that view of Mount Etna. The founder @lukasfrompoland makes great looking food and is one of my fave IG follows.
Hotel Corazon in Mallorca looks veryyyy cool and vibey and chill. Owned by photographer Kate Bellm and Edgar Lopez, it’s situated in the mountains between Deia and Soller. Everything is in shades of the sunset, pinks and pale peach and deep orange and is luxurious yet wild. I can definitely see myself enjoying some Balearic sounds, hierbas among the palm trees by the pool and getting the best sleep of my life.
Hana Hotel looks like a serene retreat in the middle of what’s sure to be an Olympics crazed Paris this summer. Located near Opera and Bourse, the hotel has 25 rooms that are Japanese inspired and beyond chic chic chic. Plus a spa and Japanese breakfast! In Paris! Yum!
For those visiting LA, I recommend the latest opening from the Gjelina group, Vitorrja. Just steps off Venice Beach, Vitorrja is super chill but also very well appointed and beautifully done. Many of the rooms have great little kitchens that can be stocked with snacks from Gjusta. Everything has that easy, undone charm we know from their restaurants. Plus there’s a nice rooftop terrace for enjoying a glass of wine during sunset. I’d happily do a staycation here!
I hope this list has given you a little virtual vacation! If you ever need more hotel rec’s please reach out! I love doing this type of thing and have plenty more.
Also, in the spirit of spring and summer, we released a Lorenza Sparkling Picpoul Blanc just in time for Mother’s Day! It’s so F’in good I can’t wait for my own shipment to arrive! The perfect season for sparkling. Only 100 cases produced and already going quick! Hope you check it out!
If you made it all the way down here and aren’t yet subscribed, there’s lots more fun to come and bonus tips and treats with your subscription. Thanks again for being here. Happy holiday planning and bon voyage!
xo
Michèle
P.S. One last thing… This is huge. Bark Air. And apparently, it’s real!