Morocco in June: Why the Rest of the World Gets the Timing Wrong

Every travel guide says visit Morocco in spring or autumn. June is actually its most interesting month — the heat is real, the festivals are extraordinary, and for the first time all year, the medinas belong primarily to the people who live in them.

“The riad was designed for this climate. Thick walls maintain a temperature eight to twelve degrees lower than outside. The courtyard creates airflow. The fountain produces cooling that air conditioning cannot replicate because air conditioning seals a room and flattens its sensory life.”

The Gnaoua World Music Festival opens in Essaouira on June 25th. For three days, the coastal city that sits on the Atlantic edge of Morocco — wind-scoured, blue and white, perpetually about twelve degrees cooler than Marrakech — transforms into something that defies easy description. It is not a music festival in the global sense of the word. It is a ceremony that has been expanded to accommodate an audience. The Gnaoua brotherhood, whose trance rituals have roots in sub-Saharan African spiritual practice going back centuries, perform alongside international jazz, blues, and world musicians in a fusion that should not work and consistently does. The old ramparts, the beach, the narrow streets of the medina: all of it becomes a stage.

The festival is free. This is the first thing worth knowing. The second thing: arriving three days early and leaving three days late changes the experience entirely. Essaouira in the weeks bracketing the festival is already extraordinary — the fortified fishing port, the woodworkers carving thuya root into objects of improbable beauty, the best fresh fish on the Atlantic coast at prices that have no relationship to the quality — and the festival adds to this rather than replacing it.

The deeper case for June in Morocco is structural. The school holiday crowds that fill the riads of Marrakech and Fes from July through August have not yet arrived. The Ramadan period, which produces a different and in some ways more interesting Morocco but one that is harder to navigate as a visitor unfamiliar with its rhythms, is over for the year. The European summer tourist wave, which peaks in August and has been reshaping the experience of the medinas for thirty years, is still a few weeks away.

What you get instead: a Morocco operating at its own pace, for its own people, in the specific heat of early summer that the architecture was designed for. The riad — the traditional courtyard house with thick walls, a central fountain, rooms arranged around an open sky — is, as guides consistently note, an extraordinarily effective natural cooling system. The walls maintain a temperature eight to twelve degrees lower than outside. The courtyard creates airflow. The fountain produces sound and humidity that feels physically cooling in a way that air conditioning, which seals a room and flattens its sensory life, cannot replicate.

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music runs June 4 to 7. Fes in June for the Sacred Music Festival is a different proposition from Fes at any other time of year: the ancient medina — a UNESCO World Heritage city that is the largest urban medieval Islamic city in the world, with nine thousand alleys and one hundred thousand craftspeople — is at its most alive and its most cosmopolitan simultaneously. The concerts are held in the Bab Makina, a vast open courtyard in the Royal Palace complex, and in the gardens of the Batha Museum. The programming ranges from Sufi devotional music to Georgian polyphony to West African griot performance. The city surrounds and sustains all of it.

The practical dimension that the travel press underreports: June in Morocco is hot in the interior but temperate on the Atlantic coast, and the country's geography makes it possible to design an itinerary that uses the coast as a base and the Atlas Mountains as a coolant. The drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate over the Tizi n'Tichka pass — 2,260 meters at its highest, through Berber villages and kasbahs that have been in continuous occupation since the medieval period — is at its most accessible in June, when the snow is gone and the summer flash floods have not yet begun.

The specific restaurants worth building a Marrakech itinerary around in June: Nomad, on the rooftop above the spice square in the medina, for its reinterpretation of Moroccan classics in a room that feels like a collaboration between traditional architecture and contemporary intelligence. Le Jardin, in the northern medina, for the specific quality of a meal eaten in an actual garden, the kind of garden where the trees are large enough to create their own microclimate. Al Fassia, Marrakech's most celebrated restaurant for classic Fassi cooking, run entirely by women since its founding in 1987, whose bastilla and mechoui have been the standard by which visiting chefs measure their understanding of the cuisine.

Come for the festivals. Stay for the medina in the morning before the heat arrives, when the streets are being washed and the bread is coming out of the communal ovens and the city is briefly, entirely, itself.

BY OONA CHANEL

The Côte d'Azur After Cannes: What the Festival Crowd Knew That the Summer Tourist Doesn't

The 79th Cannes Film Festival closed on May 23rd. The summer tourist wave arrives in July. For the six weeks between them, the French Riviera is briefly — and specifically — the most beautiful place in Europe to be.

“Matisse arrived here in 1917 and never left for the rest of his life. The light is why. In June, before the summer peak, you understand it — the specific quality that made him stay, available to you now, in the weeks the photographers haven't filled yet.”

The 79th Cannes Film Festival closed on May 23rd with Park Chan-wook's jury awarding the Palme d'Or, the red carpet dismantled, and the Croisette already beginning its transition from the world's most photographed kilometre back to a seaside promenade in a mid-sized French city. The transformation takes about a week. By the end of May, the Côte d'Azur belongs to itself again.

This is the window. The festival crowd has left. The summer rental crowd — the peak-season mass that fills the coastal road with rental cars and the beaches with sunloungers arranged with military precision — doesn't arrive in force until mid-July. Between those two moments, roughly six weeks, the French Riviera operates at a scale and temperature that the photographs almost never capture, because by the time the photographers are there in volume, the moment has passed.

The light in June on the Côte d'Azur is not the bleached light of August. It is lower, more golden, arriving earlier and leaving later, doing what Mediterranean light does at this latitude in early summer: making the limestone hills and the terracotta rooftops and the specific blue of the sea simultaneously sharper and softer. Matisse arrived here in 1917 and never left, substantively, for the rest of his life. The light is why. In June, you understand it.

The restaurant reality in June is the inverse of August. La Petite Maison in Nice — which has spawned outposts across the world but whose original on the Rue Saint-Francois de Paule remains the best — has tables without the two-week booking lead time August requires. Mirazur in Menton, Mauro Colagreco's three-starred restaurant at the Italian border with a garden that produces a significant proportion of what arrives at the table, takes June reservations that are genuinely available. Tetou in Golfe-Juan — which has been making bouillabaisse since 1920, has no website, no social media presence, and is the most honest fish restaurant on the coast — does not overfill in June.

The villages above the coastal road are at their most genuine in this window. Eze, perched above the sea with its medieval core intact. Gourdon, almost vertical above the Gorges du Loup. The quieter medieval villages east of Grasse where the perfume roses are still being harvested in the first weeks of June. These places exist in July but are shared. In June they are encountered.

The hotels that most reward this timing are those with terraces facing west, so that the evening light arrives and stays. The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc at Cap d'Antibes, which has been in continuous operation since 1870 and which in June is the hotel that people who know the hotel mean when they say it is the best hotel in the world. The Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse, surrounded by centenarian olive trees and the specific smell of a Provence garden in the hours after rain.

The practical note: book before you read this. The people who know about this window have been booking for years, which means availability in June is better than August but not unlimited. Three weeks notice is usually enough. Three months is comfortable. Come for the roses and the light and the fish. Leave before July changes everything.

BY OONA CHANEL

The Amalfi Interior: What Happens When You Leave the Coast

The Amalfi Drive is one of the most photographed roads in the world. Two kilometers inland, the tourists disappear and Italy begins.

“After 7pm, when the day-trippers have descended to their coastal hotels, the town is left to itself and to the small number of people who had the foresight to stay.”

The road to Ravello runs upward from the coast at a gradient that makes the rental car protest and the lungs grateful. Fourteen hundred meters, from the sea. At the top: a town of two thousand people that has been receiving artists, writers, and composers for a hundred and fifty years and has, somehow, absorbed the attention without being disfigured by it.

Wagner composed here. Gide wrote here. Virginia Woolf described the view from Villa Rufolo as the most beautiful in Europe — a statement she made, characteristically, as a fact rather than a preference. D.H. Lawrence lived here long enough to start a fight with the local literary community. Gore Vidal had a house on the hill for forty years and used it as the base for a sustained argument with the twentieth century that only ended when he died.

Ravello is not undiscovered. Nothing on the Amalfi coast is undiscovered, and the attempt to present it otherwise is a form of dishonesty that the landscape itself corrects quickly: the buses arrive, the terraces fill, the photographers congregate at the belvedere at sunset with a punctuality that implies prior arrangement. But Ravello, unlike Positano and Amalfi itself, closes its gates at a time that is not metaphorical. After 7pm, when the day-trippers have descended to their coastal hotels, the town is left to itself and to the small number of people who had the foresight to stay.

The Palazzo Sasso — the hotel occupying a twelfth-century palazzo on the edge of the town's main piazza, with a terrace that overlooks the full sweep of the Gulf of Salerno from a height that makes the boats below look genuinely toy-like — is the base. The question of what to do with the next three days, having arrived, is one of the more enjoyable problems a person can have.

Walk inland. This is the instruction that supersedes all others, and it is consistently not taken. The walking paths above Ravello — the Sentiero degli Dei, the 'Path of the Gods,' which runs along the ridge connecting Positano to Agerola and offers, at certain moments of the morning, a view of the coast that makes the word 'beautiful' seem like a category error — traverse a landscape that has been terraced for lemon and olive production since Greek colonization and that retains, away from the coastal road, a quality of time that the resort economy below has not reached.

The lemons of the Amalfi coast are, in the late May harvest, at their full yellow-green absurdity of size. The sfusato amalfitano — the local cultivar, elongated, with a rind thick enough to serve as the primary ingredient in the area's limoncello — hangs from the terraces in quantities that make the trees look temporarily confused about what they are. The farmers who work these terraces are, almost universally, over sixty. The next generation is, almost universally, not in farming. This is a landscape in transition, and the beauty of the transition is inseparable from its melancholy.

The two restaurants in Ravello that deserve extended attention are not the ones on the main piazza. The first — Cumpa' Cosimo, run by the Bottone family since 1929, which has not changed its menu in any meaningful way in the author's three visits across twelve years and does not need to — serves the food of the interior: pasta al ragù made from the particular combination of pork and beef that has been the Campanian standard since the Spanish Bourbons brought their cuisine to Naples in the eighteenth century, and a fried zucchini flower that is better than any fried zucchini flower has a right to be. The second — a place without a sign, on a lane off the Via della Marra, recommended by the concierge at Palazzo Sasso as "appropriate for people who don't mind not being sure" — serves, on the evening we go, a single fixed menu determined that morning at the market in Maiori, and a carafe of local wine from a grape variety that I cannot identify and do not ask about.

This — the carafe of unidentified wine, the unmarked door, the meal that was not planned until this morning — is the travel experience that the coast, with its protocols of reservation and its prices calibrated for international tourism, makes difficult. Two kilometers inland, it is offered to you without ceremony, for approximately what it costs.

The morning before we leave, I walk at six before the town is awake. The light at this hour, coming from the east across the gulf, is the light that Gide and Wagner and Woolf were all, presumably, working with: gold and flat and entirely indifferent to the fact that it is producing, daily, one of the most beautiful things available to a human being who has the wit to be here before 7am.

The boats below. The lemons. The path running inland, still damp from the night.

Italy has been this beautiful for a very long time. The specific grace of the place is that it does not appear to have noticed.

BY OONA CHANEL

The Last Café: On the Disappearing Art of the Public Room

The café as a form of civic architecture has survived three centuries of pressure. It is not surviving the current one without help — and the people fighting for it deserve to be understood

“The café is a machine for the production of a certain kind of time — unhurried, unstructured, socially available time that does not need to justify its existence with productivity. The places that protect it are protecting a form of human experience with no adequate substitute.”

The Café de Flore has been open since 1887. It has survived the Commune, two world wars, the German occupation (during which Sartre wrote Being and Nothingness at his regular table, reportedly because it was heated), the tourist industry, and four decades of Instagram. It is still, on a Wednesday morning in October, when the tourists are not there, exactly what it has always been: a room where the public life of the mind happens alongside the private life of the body, where a person can sit for three hours with a café crème and an idea and no one will ask them to move.

The café, as an institution, is one of the most important and least examined contributions to human civilization. Not the café as product — the coffee, the food, the service — but the café as a specific kind of public architecture: the room that is neither public nor private, that belongs to no one and therefore to everyone, that makes possible a quality of social life that has no equivalent in any other setting.

The history of the public café is inseparable from the history of democratic thought. The coffeehouses of seventeenth-century London — Lloyd's, Garraway's, the Turk's Head — were the places where the information economy of the emerging middle class was constituted: where merchants and lawyers and writers and scientists met on a basis of relative equality to exchange news, opinions, and the substance of what was becoming, over the century following, a public sphere. Jürgen Habermas, whose concept of the bourgeois public sphere remains one of the most useful frameworks for understanding the social function of modern democracy, roots it here, in the coffeehouse: the space where private individuals come together to form public opinion.

The Viennese café took this further. The institution that produced Freud, Wittgenstein, Zweig, Herzl, Klimt, and the other architects of early twentieth-century modernity was not the university or the salon or the intellectual journal, though all of these existed. It was the café. The Café Central. The Landtmann. The Griensteidl. These were the spaces where people who were changing the way the Western world thought about itself spent the hours that thinking requires: the long hours of unstructured attention, of conversation conducted without agenda, of the kind of intellectual sociability that does not produce a document but produces, over years and decades, a way of being in the world.

What threatens the café now is not the tourist, exactly, though the tourist is part of it. It is the logic of the contemporary experience economy, which has identified the café as content — as a backdrop for the image, as a brand, as an aspiration that can be commodified — and which has, in its commodification, destroyed precisely the quality that made it worth commodifying. The Viennese café that charges thirty euros for a Melange and provides a QR code instead of a menu has not been preserved. It has been taxidermied.

But the institution is not dead. It is, in some cities and in some specific rooms, still alive — still performing its essential function of making the public life of the mind possible in a physical space with a cup of coffee and enough hours.

The Kaffeehäuser of Vienna that survive as genuine institutions rather than heritage performances are fewer than twenty by serious count. The Landtmann, adjacent to the Burgtheater and the Rathaus, has been continuously occupied by the same quality of Viennese intellectual and political life for 150 years and remains so, to an extraordinary degree, still. The Prückel, the Schwarzenberg, the Hawelka (now run by the founder's son, who understands what he has inherited) — these rooms have maintained the essential condition: you are welcome to sit for as long as you need to, and no one will make you feel that your presence requires justification.

In Paris, outside the tourist circuit: the Café de la Mairie on the Place Saint-Sulpice; the Rostand facing the Luxembourg Gardens; the Tourville; the Procope, which is the oldest continuously operating café in Paris and which has survived by being honestly itself rather than performing its age. In Vienna, in the rooms above. In Lisbon: the Brasileira, where Pessoa's bronze is not the point; the São Nicolau near the river, which remains inhabited by the kind of people who have actual conversations.

The designer and historian Marco Magnifico, who has written extensively on the social architecture of public space in European cities, describes what is at stake in terms that go beyond nostalgia: "The café is a machine for the production of a certain kind of time — unhurried, unstructured, socially available time that does not need to justify its existence with productivity. This kind of time is under the most severe pressure it has been under in the modern era. The places that protect it are, in the most literal sense, protecting a form of human experience that has no adequate substitute."

The most important thing you can do for the café, he says, is go there and stay.

BY OONA CHANEL

Morocco in the Off-Season: What Fès Looks Like When the Medina Belongs to Itself

November is when the light is best, the tanneries are quietest, and the city will, for two hours each morning, let you believe you are the first person who has ever seen it.

“At the center of this city there is something genuinely not for you. It has been happening for eleven centuries before you arrived. The knowledge of this is one of the most useful correctives available to the contemporary traveler.”

The tanneries of Fès smell of pigeon dung and saffron and the specific compound of ammonia and chrome that has been used to cure leather here since the eleventh century.

This is not mentioned in most travel writing, because travel writing prefers the tanneries as a visual spectacle — the honeycomb of vats, the colors changing seasonally with the dye cycle, the famous view from the terrace of the surrounding leather shops — and tends to present the smell as a minor inconvenience rather than the thing that, more than any other sensory fact, makes you understand where you are.

The smell is the point. It is the smell of a process unchanged in a thousand years, performed by men who learned it from their fathers and who will, in some cases, teach it to their sons. It is the smell of the medina — which is, of all the places in Morocco, the most complete survival of a pre-industrial city, a place that has been continuously inhabited and commercially active since the ninth century and that has been reorganized, at the level of its fundamental spatial logic, not at all.

You should come in November. The high season — April through June, September through October — brings crowds that the medina absorbs with difficulty and that transform the experience of moving through it from something profound into something merely impressive. November is different.

The rains have not yet made the streets impassable. The light — low, golden, coming from the south — does what Moroccan light does best: it reveals rather than bleaches. The shadows are long and informative. The walls, which are the color of the earth from which they were made, seem to be lit from within.

Begin before the azaan. The first call to prayer comes before dawn, and if you are already walking — out of the Bab Bou Jeloud, into the main artery of the Talaa Kbira, toward the heart of the medina — you will hear it first from one minaret, then answered by another, then another, the overlapping calls creating a acoustic architecture that is specific to this city and this hour.

This is not a performance for visitors. It is a practice of a community that has been doing this before the city's walls were built. You are, at this hour, genuinely present in something that does not require your presence.

The Qaraouine mosque and university — founded in 859 CE, making it the oldest continuously operating university in the world — is not open to non-Muslims. This is, in the context of a tourist experience, a fact that most guidebooks present as a frustration and that is, more accurately, a gift:

the knowledge that at the center of this city there is something that is genuinely not for you, that has been happening for eleven centuries before you arrived and will continue after you leave, is one of the most useful correctives available to the contemporary traveler. It produces, if you allow it to, the correct proportion of yourself in relation to the place.

Stay at Riad Fès — the most considered of the high-end riads, occupying an eighteenth-century palace in the heart of the medina — for a minimum of three nights. The riad is the spatial argument of Fès in a single building: the exterior presents a blank, deliberately anonymous wall to the street; the interior opens onto a courtyard of intricate tilework and carved plasterwork and a garden of orange and lemon trees that makes the medina's noise simultaneously present and distant. The room is an argument about the relationship between public and private, between the city and the self.

Eat, on your second evening, at the table of a woman named Karima, who runs a cooking class that is, in practice, a dinner party for seven.

She cooks a chicken bastilla that contains two hours of the morning, a preserved lemon that has been sitting in salt and its own juice since before you arrived, and a quality of attention that the restaurated restaurants of Marrakesh cannot replicate because it is not a technique. It is a relationship to cooking that proceeds from the belief that hospitality is a form of love.

On your last morning, return to the tanneries at 7am, before the shops have opened. Stand above the vats without anyone trying to sell you anything. Watch the workers moving between the circles of color — the clay red of the traditional ochre, the deep blue of the indigo, the brown of the walnut — and understand that you are watching a practice older than the country that surrounds it, older than the religion that frames it, older, in its essentials, than almost anything you have encountered.

The smell, by this point, you will not notice. This is what happens when a place admits you properly: the things that seemed strange become the things that seem true.

BY OONA CHANEL

The Monasteries of Meteora: How to Visit One of the World's Greatest Places Without Destroying It

Six Byzantine monasteries on columns of rock 400 meters above the Thessalian plain. A place of such improbable beauty that it has, for twenty years, been in danger of being loved to death.

Monasteries of Meteora

“We were built for silence. We have learned to find it in smaller quantities.”

The monks are awake before you are. This is the first and most important thing to understand about Meteora, and about the category of place it represents: a living sacred site in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage listing in the middle of a global tourism system that has approximately no capacity to distinguish between the two.

Majestic Greek Monasteries

The six monasteries that remain inhabited and open — of the original twenty-four, at their medieval peak — sit on columns of sandstone and conglomerate that rise from the Thessalian plain to heights between 300 and 400 meters. They were built, beginning in the fourteenth century, by monks who wanted to be closer to God and further from the world: far enough up, on rock difficult enough to climb, that the various invasions moving through this part of Greece would not reach them. The strategy worked, for varying periods of time, for several centuries. The problem it did not anticipate was modernity.

Monasteries of Meteora

In 2025, Meteora received 1.7 million visitors. The monasteries have existed in their current form for six hundred years. The tourism infrastructure — the roads, the parking lots, the souvenir stands on the approach — has existed for approximately forty. The visitors, for the most part, come on day trips from Kalambaka, in coaches, between 10am and 3pm. They photograph. They do not linger. They are, as a category, not doing anything wrong. The problem is the scale.

The monks do not speak about this in terms of complaint. They speak about it in terms of the mission of the monasteries, which is prayer and the preservation of a spiritual tradition that has been continuous here since the fourteenth century. The prior of the Great Meteoron monastery — the oldest, the highest, the one that receives the most visitors — says: "We were built for silence. We have learned to find it in smaller quantities."

Monks in Monasteries of Meteora

Here is how to be in Meteora in a way that does not contribute to the problem, and that allows you to experience the place at its actual depth.

Arrive on a Wednesday in May, before 8am. The coaches do not begin until 9:30. The light at 7am in May, coming from the east across the plain, produces the monasteries at their most impossible: the rock columns emerging from a low morning mist, the chapel domes orange-lit, the valley below still sleeping. This light lasts forty minutes. Plan your arrival around it.

Stay not in Kalambaka but in Kastraki — a village of five hundred people at the base of the rocks that has, so far, been spared the full weight of tourist accommodation. The Guesthouse Ziogas, run by a family who have been here for four generations, offers rooms without air conditioning or reliable WiFi, which is either a deficiency or a feature depending on what you came here for. The breakfast, which is made rather than assembled, justifies everything.

Guesthouse Ziogas

Walk. The monasteries are connected by paths that the monks have used for six centuries and that the tourist infrastructure has not yet fully replaced with roads. The walk from Kastraki to the Roussanou monastery — the one that appears most dramatically against the rock, most paintings depict this one — takes forty minutes on foot and passes through scenery that has not changed in any significant way since the thirteenth century. Do not take the road.

Majestic Greek Monasteries

Attend the evening service at one of the monasteries open for vespers — Great Meteoron, if you can arrange it, admits a small number of visitors to evening liturgy by quiet request. The service lasts an hour. The chant, which is Byzantine polyphony in a form that has been sung here continuously for six hundred years, is one of the most moving pieces of music you will ever hear, not because it is beautiful, though it is, but because it is genuinely alive — not performed for you, but happening in a tradition that does not require your presence to continue.

Great Meteoron Monastery

The question, with places like Meteora, is always: what am I here for? If the answer is the photograph — which is a legitimate answer, these are among the most photographed places on earth for good reason — then the day-trip model serves adequately. If the answer is something else: the encounter with a civilization that organized itself around a set of values entirely different from the ones we operate by, the specific quality of a place that has been prayed in continuously for six centuries, the view from the rock at dawn before anyone else has arrived — then you need more time, more care, and a willingness to arrive before the coaches do.

Monastery Meteora, Greece

The monks are awake before you are. They have been for six hundred years.

BY OONA CHANEL

48 Hours in Tbilisi: The Most Interesting City in the World Right Now

Tblilisi landscape

“Georgia has taken everything that passed through it — Persian, Ottoman, Russian, Soviet — and kept what it found beautiful. It has remained, underneath all of it, unalterably Georgian.”

Georgia’s capital is not a trend. It is a civilizational argument—about beauty,survival, hospitality, and what a city looks like when it refuses to become anything other than itself

The bread arrives before you ask for it. This is the first thing, and it is the correct first thing: a boat-shaped khachapuri, the cheese still moving, delivered to a table in a restaurant on a side street in the old town of Tbilisi where the wall behind you is eighth century and the wine in your glass is orange and the music coming from somewhere down the street is a polyphonic choir performing, without irony or amplification, at ten o’clock on a Tuesday night. You are not a tourist here. You are a guest. The Georgians have a word for this—maspindzloba, the sacred obligation of hospitality—and they meanit with a literalness that would seem theatrical if it were not so plainly sincere.

boat-shaped khachapuri

Tbilisi in 2026 is the most interesting city in the world. This is a strong claim, and I make it having spent serious time in the usual contenders—Tokyo, Marrakesh, Lisbon, Mexico City, the golden corridor from Zurich to Basel—and having found Tbilisi doing something none of them is doing: it is resolving a genuinely irresolvable contradiction, and doing it daily, at the table, with a glass of Rkatsiteli in hand.

Georgia Inspired landscape

The contradiction is this: Georgia is a country of eight thousand years of continuous civilization—the wine, the polyphony, the alphabet that is older than most of European culture—that has spent much of the past two centuries occupied by various empires, survived Soviet homogenization, and emerged into the twenty-first century with its identity not merely intact but radiantly, almost defiantly, itself. It has done this not through resistance exactly, but through absorption: it has taken everything that has passed through it—Persian, Ottoman, Russian, Soviet—and kept what it found beautiful and discarded the rest, and remained, underneath all of it, unalterably Georgian.

The result, in architectural terms, is the most astonishing streetscape in Europe: carved wooden balconies beside Soviet modernism beside Art Nouveau beside neoclassical beside the utterly utilitarian beside boutique hotels so carefully restored they make you want to cry a little. The city is not curated. It is accumulated—and the accumulation, because it reflects a genuine cultural confidence, does not clash. It composes.

Tbilisi streetscape

Begin, as you must, in the old town. Walk up through Abanotubani—the sulphur bath district, where you can and should spend two hours in a private bath chamber carved from the volcanic rock beneath the city—and up to the Narikala fortress, which has been ruined and rebuilt nine times since the fourth century and wears its damage with the equanimity of something that knows it will still be here. Below you the Mtkvari River runs brown and fast. Across it, the new city shimmers with an optimism that is, in this light, entirely earned.

Abanotubani—the sulphur bath district

For lunch: Café Littera, in the garden of the House of Writers. The menu changes daily. The garden was, before the café, a place where Soviet-era Georgian writers gathered, which means it has a quality of literary haunting that you cannot quite explain but that sits in the air alongside the grapevine. The wine list is exclusively Georgian, which is the only reasonable position to hold in a country that has been making wine for eight millennia.

Café Littera, in the garden of the House of Writers.

For the evening: the Philharmonic, where the Georgian National Ballet performs with a physical virtuosity that has no equivalent in European dance—not even the Bolshoi, where the technique is more perfect but the hunger is somehow less. After: a meaty, wine-dark dinner at Azarpesha, which opens at nine and is best after midnight, where the table of strangers next to you will, within an hour, not be strangers.

Philharmonic, where the Georgian National Ballet performs

The hotels are, at last, ready. The Stamba—in a converted Soviet publishing house, which sounds like a concept hotel and is instead simply an extraordinarily beautiful building—provides the correct base: high ceilings, the original printing presses preserved as sculpture, a restaurant in the atrium where the food is Caucasian modernist and the cocktails involve tarragon and pomegranate and local spirits that are not comparable to anything you have tasted before.

Stamba—in a converted Soviet publishing house,

Tbilisi will not stay like this. The prices are already moving. The property developers have already arrived. The thing that makes it extraordinary now—the coexistence of profound local culture with genuine accessibility, the feeling of being in a place that has not been reorganized around your arrival—is, by definition, temporary. But it is here now. And now, in a city eight thousand years old, is always precisely the right time.

By Oona Chanel

48 Hours in Singapore: The Insider’s Guide to the City at Its Most Luxurious

singapore city landscape

Singapore is a city of exquisite precision.

A place where tropical heat meets polished marble, where Michelin-starred tasting menus sit comfortably beside hawker legends, and where luxury is not loud, but flawlessly choreographed.

The beauty of Singapore lies in knowing how to move through it. Not as a tourist.

As an insider. Singapore reveals itself best through contrasts: colonial elegance and futuristic skyline, hawker steam and crystal glassware, quiet ritual and urban spectacle.

This is the Author edit of the city at its most polished.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Raffles

RAFFLES SINGAPORE

For old-world glamour, nothing compares. White colonial architecture, impeccable suites, private courtyards, and Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling remains an essential ritual.

For those who prefer heritage over spectacle, Raffles remains the city’s most timeless address.

THE ICON

Hotel Marina bay sands

MARINA BAY SANDS

Still one of the most recognizable luxury hotels in the world, and for good reason. The rooftop infinity pool remains unmatched, particularly at sunrise and golden hour.

If you want the skyline at your feet and the city in full cinematic scale, this is the room to book.

Hotel Marina bay sands exterior

THE INSIDER HOTEL

The Warehouse Hotel

For fashion, design, and quieter luxury. This is where editors, creatives, and those who already know Singapore tend to stay.

The art grows rawer at EKKM, the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia. Housed in a semi-legal building by the port, its walls hold the youngest and boldest voices of the country: queer expression, climate grief, post-Soviet ruin rendered in film and installation. The rooms are cold, unpolished, sincere. One leaves unsettled, and for that reason changed.

Hotel Warehouse

WHAT TO SEE

NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

The essential cultural stop. Set inside the former Supreme Court and City Hall, it offers one of Asia’s most significant collections of Southeast Asian modern art. Architecturally, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

National Gallery Singapore

ART SG / GILLMAN BARRACKS

If timing aligns with ART SG, make this non-negotiable. Otherwise head to Gillman Barracks, Singapore’s contemporary art district with serious gallery programming and a more insider cultural crowd.

Odeith aligator standing on Anamorphic 3D chrome letters

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Yes, it is iconic. Yes, it is still worth doing. Go at sunset and stay for the illuminated Supertree Grove.

Gardens by the Bay

WHAT TO EAT

Laksa

THE LAKSA STOP

A proper Singapore itinerary begins with laksa. Go to 328 Katong Laksa. Rich coconut broth, prawns, spice, and the unmistakable fragrance of dried shrimp and chili. This is not optional.

Insider tip: go slightly off-peak — around 2:30 PM — to avoid the lunch rush.

The Singapore Sling

THE SINGAPORE SLING

Long Bar at Raffles. The drink is iconic, but what matters is the ritual. Rattan chairs, old-world service, and the sense of stepping into a living myth.

Chilli Grab

CHILI GRAB

JUMBO Seafood. Messy, delicious, and essential.

Order mantou buns for the sauce.

FINE DINING

Odette-Fine dining

Odette

One of Singapore’s most lauded dining rooms, inside the National Gallery, and newly refreshed with a warmer, more luxurious interior.

Singapore’s quiet luxury is perhaps best expressed over a four-hour dinner at Odette.

COCKTAILS

Atlas Bar

ATLAS

One of the most beautiful bars in Asia. Art Deco grandeur, an extraordinary gin collection, and the room everyone in fashion quietly recommends.

Singapore City Landscape

INSIDER’S TIPS

The Author Edit

• Best golden hour: Marina Bay around 6:15–6:45 PM

• Best breakfast: Raffles courtyard or Tiong Bahru Bakery

• Best shopping: Orchard for luxury, Tiong Bahru and New Bahru for insiders

• Best hidden luxury: private spa suite at Capella on Sentosa

• Best art-world move: cocktails at ATLAS after Gillman Barracks

• Best fashion crowd: weekends around Duxton Hill and New Bahru

• Best late-night local move: satay at Lau Pa Sat under the skyline

• Best editorial photo spot: Fullerton waterfront at dusk

Streets of Singapore

True insider tip:

Skip Orchard Road on the first day. Do it late morning on day two after breakfast when the city is slower and the light is better for editorial-style street shots. The real luxury of Singapore is not choosing between heritage and modernity.

It is knowing how to do both in the same day.

written by Oona Chanel

Tallinn at Summer’s Edge

Some cities greet you with spectacle, overwhelming the senses in a single gesture. Tallinn is not one of them. The Estonian capital does not dazzle; it lingers. It does not perform; it waits. To know it, you must slow your pace to match its stones, its silences, its air

“Tallinn does not ask for conquest. It asks only to be noticed.”

In late August, the city still hums with warmth. Evenings stretch into gold, the streets smell of salt and cardamom, and the air feels alive with a subdued flame. Yet as September takes hold, the mood deepens. The light sharpens, mist drifts from the Baltic, and cafés glow earlier in the dusk, lanterns against the encroaching dark. Tallinn in this threshold moment is neither summer nor autumn but something in between — an atmosphere, a resonance, a poem that reveals itself line by line..

KUMU ART MUSEUM

photography by Marii Tunnel

To begin here is to step first into its art. At KUMU, the national art museum built like a sanctuary at the edge of Kadriorg Park, you descend into shadow before you rise into light. The lower galleries whisper of history’s unease — surrealistcanvases painted under threat, Soviet propaganda repurposed as quiet rebellion, portraits that carry the weight of survival.

“The silence between works feels as carefully curated as the art itself.”

photography by Marii Tunnel

Climb higher, and the rooms loosen: digital installations flicker like lunar signals, sculptures echo folklore, and the silence between works feels as carefully curated as the art itself.

TELLISKIVI CREATIVE CITY

By contrast, Telliskivi moves with improvisational energy. Once a Soviet rail depot, it is now a living canvas, its walls dressed in murals, its warehouses filled with design studios, ceramics, and photography. At Fotografiska, the Scandinavian photography museum transplanted to Tallinn, you can wander exhibitions before climbing to the rooftop for a tart of rhubarb paired with sparkling birch water, looking out at the city as though you’ve discovered its pulse. Yet the most compelling corners are nameless: a container gallery where Baltic clay is shown beside cups of wild flower tea, or a tattooist’s studio where feminist manifestos are inscribed into skin with ink made of birch ash.

EKKM (CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM OF ESTONIA)

photography by Joosep Kivimäe

The art grows rawer at EKKM, the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia. Housed in a semi-legal building by the port, its walls hold the youngest and boldest voices of the country: queer expression, climate grief, post-Soviet ruin rendered in film and installation. The rooms are cold, unpolished, sincere. One leaves unsettled, and for that reason changed.

180°BY MAHIAS DIETHER

Evenings in Tallinn belong to appetite, though appetite here is composed, never theatrical. At 180°, housed in a former submarine factory, chef Matthias Diether crafts tasting menus of startling precision — dishes that feel both ancient and futuristic.

NOA CHEF’S HALL

NOA, set on the seafront, plays another note entirely: expansive, cinematic, its windows framing the Baltic like a stage. The burnt milk dessert is already local legend, but it is the sunset you remember, the way the sky itself feels like the first course Between them lies Lore, a bistro where the city’s soul comes quietly to the table: trout sharpened with horseradish, black bread heavy with history, sea buckthorn folded into nearly everything. Writers, designers, and chefs linger here,the night stretching without hurry And in the mornings, there is RØST. More chapel than bakery, it serves cardamom buns so delicate they collapse at the touch, paired with northern-roasted coffee. You take your place by the window, watch fog lift from the city, andunderstand why Tallinn reveals itself only to those who linger.

IGLU SAUNA

But to understand the city fully, you must enter its rituals of heat and water. At Noblessner harbor, the cedar-scented igloo saunas of Iglupark float on the water. Wrapped in linen, you move between the steam and the bite of the Baltic, horizon dissolving into night. Time unravels here.

KALMA SAUNA

At Kalma Saun, a 1928 public bathhouse with Art Deco bones, wellness is not luxury but inheritance. Steam gathers thick with memory, birch whisks pass from hand to hand, and you realize this is not indulgence but continuity, a rhythm older than modernity.

The city itself feels like ritual. At dawn, Toompea Hill rises through mist, its spires half-vanished, bells tolling into emptine

ST.CATHERINE PASSAGE

By evening, St. Catherine’s Passage glimmers in candlelight, stone walls unchanged for centuries, each step echoing history. And at the water’s edge, Linnahall sits like a brutalist ghost — an abandoned amphitheater where concrete meets sea. To climb its steps at dusk is to discover how endings, too, can carry beauty.Linnahall sits like a brutalist ghost — an abandoned amphitheater where concrete meets sea.

TOOMPEA HILL

A day in Tallinn writes itself as if scored to silence. It begins at RØST with bread and stillness, wanders into the spires of Toompea, pauses on a rooftop for rhubarb tart and birch water, finds its rhythm again in the heat of a sauna, drifts through the murals and ceramics of Telliskivi, and closes with a dinner where memory is plated for you. Perhaps there is music after — opera, jazz, or something impossible to categorize. And always, the ending is the same: a walk through St. Catherine’s Passage, candlelight flickering, no photographs taken, the gift of disappearance as the truest souvenir.

To leave Tallinn at the turn of summer into autumn is not to leave with a checklist satisfied. It is to leave with something subtler: a recalibrated breath, a slower pulse, a city that has entered you not with spectacle but with stillness. Tallinn does not ask for conquest. It asks only to be noticed. And if you grant it that, it will, remain with you — as mist, as shadow, as the quiet fire of a Baltic city in its most beautiful season.

With gratitude: Thank you Visit Estonia for the unforgettable welcome and the gift of your stillness.

Written by Oona Chanel

A Luxe 24-Hour Winter Escape in Helsinki

Aalto’s Modernist Masterpieces

There’s something magical about Helsinki in the crisp months of November and December. As the city sparkles with holiday lights and the first snow blankets its streets, Finland’s capital transforms into a winter wonderland of Nordic design, art, and seasonal charm. This is a city where minimalist modernity meets timeless traditions, where saunas and snow coexist in harmony, and where every corner offers something unexpected.

From browsing the chic boutiques of the Design District to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and from exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites to gliding across open-air ice rinks, Helsinki offers a luxurious and immersive experience, all wrapped in a festive glow. Whether you’re seeking an indulgent culinary journey, a dive into Scandinavian design, or just a cozy escape, this curated 24-hour itinerary will take you straight to the heart of Helsinki’s wintry magic.

Morning: Nordic Design and Seasonal Elegance

1. Breakfast at Café Regatta

Begin your day at Café Regatta, a picturesque red cottage on the edge of Töölö Bay. With its snow-dusted roof and glowing firepit, this quaint café serves freshly baked cinnamon buns and rich, warming coffee—perfect for a chilly morning. The lakeside setting feels like a scene from a Nordic fairytale, making it an ideal spot to embrace the day.

2. Explore the Design District

Next, wander through Helsinki’s Design District, a creative hub brimming with boutique stores, galleries, and workshops. Stop by the Design Museum, where Finnish design, from classic Marimekko prints to contemporary innovations, comes to life. Meander through the district’s cobblestone streets to discover elegant, locally crafted holiday decorations and sleek Nordic furniture pieces.

3. Helsinki Art Museum (HAM)

A short stroll leads you to the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), housed in the modernist Tennis Palace. Inside, an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic art awaits, showcasing Finnish talent alongside international names. The museum’s bright interiors and thought-provoking exhibits make it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

4. Aalto’s Modernist Masterpieces

Round off the morning with a nod to Alvar Aalto, Finland’s legendary architect. Admire the sleek lines of Finlandia Hall and, if time allows, visit Aalto’s House, a serene reflection of his minimalist design ethos.

Afternoon: Festive Markets and Winter Adventures

5. Lunch at Savoy 

Pause for an elegant lunch at Savoy, a Helsinki institution with interiors designed by Alvar Aalto himself. Perched above the city, this historic restaurant offers panoramic views and a menu celebrating Finnish ingredients. Feast on reindeer fillet, forest mushrooms, and seasonal berries, all served in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.

6. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

After lunch, hop on a ferry at Kauppatori (Market Square) for a scenic ride to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blanketed in snow, this historic sea fortress feels like a Nordic dream. Wander the fortress’s cobblestone paths, admire the 18th-century architecture, and enjoy the serenity of the wintry landscape.

7. Warm Up at Löyly Sauna

Return to the city for a quintessential Finnish experience at Löyly Sauna, a striking wood-clad structure on the edge of the Baltic Sea. Embrace the heat of a traditional sauna before cooling off with an icy plunge or simply relax on the terrace with panoramic views of the frozen waters.

Evening: Michelin Dining and Festive Nightcaps

8. Dinner at Restaurant Olo

Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at Restaurant Olo, one of Helsinki’s Michelin-starred gems. The multi-course tasting menu takes you on a journey through Finnish nature, with dishes that are as artful as they are delicious. Expect creative presentations, seasonal flavors, and an intimate dining ambiance.

9. Nightcap at Ateljé Finne

End your day at Ateljé Finne, a chic yet cozy cocktail bar housed in a former sculptor’s studio. With its warm ambiance, low lighting, and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on your day in Helsinki. Try a Nordic-inspired drink featuring lingonberries or Finnish gin to cap off your evening in style.

Extra Seasonal Experiences to Enrich Your Day

• Helsinki Christmas Market at Senate Square: Browse artisanal crafts, sip glögi (mulled wine), and soak in the festive atmosphere in the shadow of the majestic Helsinki Cathedral.

• Nuuksio National Park: Just an hour from the city, this snowy wilderness offers trails for snowshoeing and the occasional glimpse of the Northern Lights.

• Ice Skating at Railway Square: Glide under twinkling lights at the city’s outdoor rink, surrounded by historic architecture.

Written by Oona Chanel

Experiencing Japan in November: A Journey Through Kyoto and Tokyo

As the chill of November sweeps across Japan, the country transforms into a vibrant, multi-hued landscape. The leaves turn red and gold, festival lights flicker in ancient villages, and Tokyo’s nightlife hums with the city’s unmistakable energy. There’s something magical about Japan in autumn—a rich blend of tradition and modernity, where serene temples meet bustling alleyways, and tranquil gardens nestle beside avant-garde fashion streets.

Whether you’re craving the elegance of Kyoto’s centuries-old rituals or the edge of Tokyo’s underground culture, November is the perfect time to explore. This guide unearths Japan’s finest seasonal offerings, from hidden izakayas and local sake tastings to tattoo-friendly onsens and festivals that blaze with fiery tradition. Dive into the heart of these two iconic cities and discover Japan through local eyes, with unique activities, Michelin-worthy dining, and insider gems that make each day an adventure.

This November, immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural wonders, culinary gems, and scenic landscapes. From Kyoto’s age-old traditions to Tokyo’s lively urban culture, this guide ensures a journey rich in authentic experiences and seasonal beauty. With tattoo-friendly onsens, serene temples, local sake spots, and vibrant indie neighborhoods, Kyoto and Tokyo offer the perfect balance of tradition and modernity for an unforgettable Japanese adventure.

KYOTO HIGHLIGHTS: TRADITION MEETS THE UNDERGROUND

1. Autumn Foliage at Kiyomizu-dera Temple

As autumn peaks, Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto is transformed by a brilliant display of red and gold leaves. The temple’s illuminated night views offer a magical scene, creating an unmissable experience perfect for reflection and photography.

2. Kurama Fire Festival (Hi-Matsuri)

Early November brings the Kurama Fire Festival, an unforgettable event where locals carry torches through the streets of northern Kyoto. Steeped in ancient tradition, this fiery celebration gives a glimpse into Kyoto’s spiritual heritage, casting a warm glow on the crisp autumn nights.

3. Sake Tasting in Fushimi Sake District

Explore the Fushimi District, famous for its sake breweries. Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to learn the art of sake-making, followed by a tasting of freshly brewed varieties. Stop by Fushimi Yume Hyakushu, a favorite among locals, for a deeper dive into Kyoto’s sake culture.

Photo by Kanpai

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Hidden Temples

For a serene start to your morning, visit the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and then venture to Okochi Sanso Villa. This hidden gem offers stunning autumn views over the city and peaceful garden trails, providing a refreshing escape from busier spots.

5. Riverside Dining in Kibune

Head to the village of Kibune, where kawadoko dining (on platforms over the river) is a must-try experience. Enjoy a kaiseki meal surrounded by fall colors, immersing yourself in Kyoto’s seasonal beauty and traditional flavors.

TOKYO TREASURES: URBAN COOL MEETS HIDDEN GEMS

1. Meiji Shrine and Inner Garden

For a tranquil retreat in the heart of Tokyo, visit Meiji Shrine in Shibuya. Stroll through its forested paths, and explore the inner garden, which glows with autumn hues in November. Shichi-Go-San ceremonies here add an extra touch of tradition, as families dress their children in kimono to celebrate their growth.

2. Tokyo Ramen Street

Tokyo Ramen Street, located in Tokyo Station, is a mecca for noodle lovers. Try Rokurinsha’s famous tsukemen (dipping noodles) or sample seasonal ramen varieties at various stalls. It’s a must-visit for any foodie seeking authentic local flavors.

3. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Step back in time at Yanaka Ginza in Taito, known for its nostalgic charm and bustling street food scene. Sample local treats like yakitori and taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with sweet filling) while browsing traditional shops that capture the essence of Tokyo’s past.

4. Shinjuku Golden Gai

Discover Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, a maze of narrow alleys packed with micro-bars, each with its own unique ambiance. It’s a favorite among locals for late-night drinks and intimate settings, where you can chat with bartenders and soak in Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.

5. Mount Takao Hike

Just an hour from Tokyo, Mount Takao offers a refreshing nature escape with beautiful autumn foliage and panoramic city views. After the hike, unwind at Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a tattoo-friendly onsen at the mountain’s base—perfect for soothing tired muscles after a scenic day outdoors.

6. Shimokitazawa – Tokyo’s Indie Scene

Known for its indie vibes, Shimokitazawa is a haven for vintage shopping, quirky cafes, and live music. Locals flock here for its laid-back charm; grab a coffee at Bear Pond Espresso or catch a live performance at Shelter for an authentic taste of Tokyo’s alternative scene.

7. Autumn Illumination at Rikugien Garden

In Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, Rikugien Garden showcases breathtaking autumn colors with its weeping maple trees. This Edo-era garden hosts a magical evening illumination in November, providing a serene and enchanting experience loved by Tokyoites and visitors alike.

EXTRA EXPERIENCES

Tokyo Kimono Rental and Tea Ceremony:

For an authentic experience, rent a kimono and participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Asakusa. Wander through Senso-ji Temple in full attire for a memorable glimpse into Japanese culture.

Photo by Tea Ceremony Japan Experiences MAIKOYA

Stay and Dress as a Geisha or Samurai in Kyoto:

Many inns, like Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado or Gion Hatanaka, offer the chance to dress as a geisha or samurai. Capture the essence of old Kyoto as you wander nearby streets dressed in stunning, authentic attire.

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen and Spa Options in Kyoto and Tokyo

Japan’s onsen and spa culture is revered, yet for visitors with tattoos, it can sometimes be challenging to find welcoming locations. Luckily, both Kyoto and Tokyo offer tattoo-friendly options that allow everyone to enjoy Japan’s traditional baths.

Photo by Ryuji Hashimoto

In Kyoto, Tenzan-no-yu and Funaoka Onsen embrace a local, welcoming atmosphere. The charming Gokuraku-yu in Uji also provides a relaxing blend of indoor and outdoor baths, making it easy to unwind amid beautiful surroundings. In Tokyo, popular tattoo-friendly spas like Niwa no Yu and Oedo Onsen Monogatari combine rejuvenating baths with Japanese gardens and unique Edo-period themes. For urban luxury, Times Spa Resta in Ikebukuro and Thermae-yu in Shinjuku feature private rooms, saunas, and modern amenities, offering the ultimate retreat within Tokyo’s bustling atmosphere.

Written by Oona Chanel

Discover the Serene Splendor of Sumberkima Hill

In the heart of Bali's untouched North West, there exists a sanctuary so sublime, it feels as though time itself dances to a different rhythm. Sumberkima Hill, a haven of opulence and tranquility, beckons to weary souls and wanderers seeking respite from the chaos of the world. As a seeker of serenity and a lover of life's finer pleasures, I recently embarked on a week-long journey to this enchanting oasis, and what unfolded was nothing short of a transformative odyssey.

Arriving at my secluded abode, Villa Bidadari, I was immediately enveloped in an aura of exquisite luxury. Perched atop a verdant hill, the villa's sprawling expanse offered breathtaking vistas of the boundless sea stretching out before me. With its elegant interiors adorned with Balinese accents and modern amenities, it was a sanctuary fit for royalty. But it was the infinity pool, with its sapphire waters beckoning beneath the golden glow of dawn, that truly stole my heart and set the stage for the luxurious adventures that awaited.

Each morning, as the world awoke to a new day, I embarked on a ritual of renewal that would set the tone for the hours ahead. With the first blush of dawn painting the sky in hues of rose and gold, I surrendered to the embrace of the villa's resplendent pool, shedding the constraints of the world and immersing myself in the purity of the moment. Emerging refreshed and invigorated, I made my way to the yoga shala, a sacred space nestled amidst the verdant hills, where the gentle cadence of my practice harmonized with the symphony of nature unfolding around me. It was here, amidst the rustle of leaves and the song of birds, that I found a sense of peace and connection that transcended words.

But the journey of self-discovery and renewal did not end with the sun's ascent. Sumberkima Hill is renowned for its world-class spa facilities, where ancient healing traditions are interwoven with modern luxury. Here, amidst the fragrant scents of tropical blooms and the soft strains of Balinese music, I surrendered to the expert hands of village healers, whose skillful touch coaxed tension from weary muscles and invited a sense of profound relaxation to envelop body and soul. And as if that weren't enough, I was treated to a transformative sound bath, with sacred bowls placed delicately upon my body, their resonant tones guiding me into a state of deep inner harmony and tranquility.

In between moments of pampering and self-reflection, I embraced the opportunity to explore the wonders of Sumberkima Hill and its surrounding environs. Whether snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs, trekking through lush tropical forests, or immersing myself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bali's North West, each day offered a new adventure and a chance to deepen my connection to the world around me.

But what truly sets Sumberkima Hill apart is its remarkable origins, a story of vision, dedication, and a deep reverence for the land. Born from the collective dream of a group of like-minded individuals, this sanctuary of serenity has blossomed from humble beginnings into a thriving community, offering an array of luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unforgettable experiences. From its modest inception with just a few villas, Sumberkima Hill has evolved into a haven of opulence and tranquility, inviting guests from far and wide to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

As my week-long retreat drew to a close, I found myself reluctant to bid farewell to the sanctuary that had become my home away from home. But as I departed Villa Bidadari, I carried with me a sense of deep gratitude for the transformative experiences and cherished memories that Sumberkima Hill had bestowed upon me. In a world where luxury often comes at the expense of authenticity, Sumberkima Hill stands as a shining beacon of true indulgence – a place where opulence and serenity intertwine to create an unforgettable retreat experience, inviting all who seek solace and renewal to embark on a journey of self-discovery amidst the serene splendor of Bali's North West.

Written by Oona Chanel

Photography Sumberkima Hill

Diving into Elegance on Gili Meno´s Luxurious Horizon

Bask in Bliss: Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Gili Meno´s Horizon

Dive into the serene beauty of Gili Meno's luxurious horizon with BASK, a sanctuary that epitomizes sophistication by seamlessly blending opulence with the pristine allure of Indonesia's foremost beach—a distinction revered by seasoned travelers. This refined retreat, curated for the discerning wanderer, extends an invitation to those in pursuit of an extraordinary sojourn, where time seems to stand still. Gili Meno, a haven free from vehicular intrusions and exclusively navigable by electric bikes for residents, offers a unique mode of exploration, be it traversing the island on horseback or succumbing to the enchantment of horse-drawn taxis serenely meandering through its captivating landscape.

Immerse yourself in an unhurried sojourn within Gili Meno's exclusive realm, where the island unveils itself as a tranquil oasis with a 5 km circumference elegantly navigated by visitors on bikes. It reveals an exclusive realm embraced by a vibrant community of 700 residents, beckoning not merely as a destination but as an everlasting odyssey—one that caters to those who seek solace in the island's unhurried charm or embark on a sublime diving retreat.

Gili Meno, the most modest among the three Gili Islands, stands as an untarnished paradise, preserving an authentic charm that distinguishes it from its more bustling neighbors. Stepping onto its shores is akin to entering a dreamworld, with the sole auditory tapestry comprising the lapping waves and the distant melody of local music from the singular island band named Brotherhood. Renowned for pristine beaches and crystalline turquoise waters, the island invites travelers to partake in a refreshing dip or snorkel amidst vibrant coral gardens. Time easily slips away as one delves into the underwater wonders—a kaleidoscope of marine life that renders Gili Meno a diver's utopia.

Adding to its allure, Gili Meno assumed the role of a sanctuary for the renowned Elizabeth Gilbert, marking the conclusion of her celebrated novel "Eat, Pray, Love." The very sands and serenity that inspired this literary masterpiece await those who seek a profound connection with creativity and tranquility on this idyllic island. BASK on Gili Meno transcends conventional paradigms, offering an unparalleled fusion of sophistication, natural beauty, and an immersive, unhurried journey that transcends the ordinary travel experience.

BASK stands as the quintessence of refined living—a masterclass in sophisticated accommodations. Within its meticulously designed enclave of 82 villas, discreetly woven into the natural tapestry of the landscape, an environment of unparalleled luxury and exclusivity unfolds. From the first step onto the meticulously crafted grounds, an ambiance saturated with tranquility envelops the discerning traveler, beckoning them towards an elevated escape. BASK is not merely a haven; it is a symphony of sophistication, a testament to the art of curated living.

For those with an affinity for the extraordinary, BASK offers a gateway to the sublime depths surrounding Gili Meno. Dive into the crystalline waters to unveil a marine ballet choreographed by majestic sea turtles—an intimate rendezvous with nature's unparalleled spectacle that makes BASK an unrivaled destination for aficionados of the deep blue.

Adding an exquisite layer to this narrative is BASK Nest—an underwater exhibition curated by the illustrious Jason deCaires Taylor. This fusion of artistic expression and unwavering commitment to environmental conservation stands as both an awe-inspiring marvel and a testament to BASK's dedication to preserving the marine ecosystem. It beckons the discerning traveler to transcend the conventional and partake in the delicate dance of the underwater world.

Furthermore, what sets BASK apart is the unparalleled accessibility of the underwater statues directly from the pristine shores. Experience the luxury of strolling into the crystal-clear waters from the beaches of BASK, engaging in a mesmerizing snorkeling experience amidst submerged masterpieces. This exclusive feature seamlessly integrates art, environmental consciousness, and experiential luxury into the fabric of BASK, inviting travelers to explore the depths with unparalleled ease.

Within the enclave of the BASK Beach Club, an undeniable aura of sophistication commands attention against the illustrious backdrop of Gili Meno's renowned beach. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere where private cabanas, artisanal cocktails, and an international culinary repertoire converge to create an indulgent and refined ambiance. As the sun gracefully descends, the beach club metamorphoses into a realm of romantic allure, offering the perfect canvas for discerning travelers to craft memories that resonate with timeless elegance—an epitome of refined leisure.

Embark on your  journey at BASK under the seasoned guidance of Resort Manager Manu, an island savant with a refined taste. Manu's thoughtful anticipation of your needs orchestrates a seamless experience, subtly enhancing your stay. As the manager of the resort, his long-time residency on the island provides extensive knowledge that extends beyond the property, making him a valuable guide to both Gili Meno and its offerings.

While Manu curates a meticulous wine cellar within BASK, the culinary realm is under the expert guidance of Chef Oliver Clark. With a discerning palate, Manu's wine selection boasts over 150 labels, representing major wine styles and grape varieties from around the world.

Whether you prefer a crisp white or a robust red, Manu's selection, offering 16 wines by the glass, ensures a perfect pairing for every dish. The comprehensive range of prices makes BASK's wine cellar the broadest selection available on the Gili Islands.

Chef Oliver Clark, a virtuoso in the culinary arts, seamlessly weaves island flavors with finesse, transforming fresh and seasonal ingredients into harmonious notes in a melody that resonates with unparalleled sophistication. Dining at BASK transcends the ordinary, offering an immersive gastronomic experience where every dish is a meticulously crafted chapter in the anthology of luxury. Each bite becomes a journey through the artistry of flavors, a testament to the culinary mastery that defines the sophisticated essence of BASK.

BASK on Gili Meno redefines the concept of destination, evolving into an opulent odyssey tailored for the discerning luxury traveler. It emerges as a realm where unparalleled sophistication, natural splendor, and adventurous escapades seamlessly converge. Whether one immerses in a romantic honeymoon retreat or embarks on an exhilarating diving expedition, BASK intricately intertwines elegance with exclusivity. It serves as not just a location but as a canvas for crafting the most exquisite chapters of your travel narrative—an experience designed to transcend the ordinary and immerse you in the extraordinary.

By Oona Chanel

Photograph by Lukas Vrtilek

Art Road - South of France

We are pleased to welcome you to a captivating journey through the heart of artistic inspirations and architectural marvels in the exquisite region of South of France. This idyllic stretch of land, nestled between the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline and the picturesque countryside, is a haven for art enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. As you traverse this scenic route, you'll be immersed in a rich tapestry of history and creativity that has woven itself into the very fabric of the region.

The South of France has long been a muse for painters, sculptors, writers, and architects, drawing inspiration from its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming villages. From the bustling streets of iconic cities like Cannes and Nice to the serene tranquility of medieval towns such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Antibes, every corner of this region exudes a distinct artistic aura that continues to captivate and inspire generations.

Prepare to embark on a captivating voyage where each stop along the way promises to unveil unique artistic treasures, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present, and where the brushstrokes of history have left an enduring masterpiece for all to behold.

VILLA NOAILLES

Discover a true architectural gem at Villa Noailles. This avant-garde masterpiece, designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1923, stands as a testament to modernist innovation. Its bold lines and geometric shapes create an extraordinary backdrop for contemporary art exhibitions and design installations. Explore the intersection of art and architecture in a space that continues to inspire creativity.

located in Hyères ( https://villanoailles.com )

FONDATION CARMIGNAC

Escape to the artistic oasis of Porquerolles Island and be captivated by Fondation Carmignac. Set against a stunning natural backdrop, this foundation showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. As you wander through its galleries, you'll be immersed in thought-provoking exhibitions that celebrate the fusion of artistic expression and the beauty of nature.

located on Porquerolles Island ( https://www.fondationcarmignac.com )

PICASSO MUSEUM

Discover the allure of the French Riviera through the eyes of Pablo Picasso at Musée Picasso. Housed in the Château Grimaldi, this museum features an impressive array of Picasso's artworks, providing insight into his prolific career and his deep connection to the South of France. Explore the dynamic relationship between the artist and his Mediterranean muse.

located in Antibes ( https://www.antibes-juanlespins.com/culture/musee-picasso )

LA COLOMBE D’OR

Step into the living history of art at La Colombe d'Or. This legendary hotel and restaurant have welcomed countless artistic luminaries, including Picasso, Chagall, and Miró. With its rustic charm and vibrant gardens, La Colombe d'Or invites you to experience the allure of a place where creativity, cuisine, and camaraderie intertwine. Take part of an experience that you can only find in Provence, the artsy spirit of this place will take you out of time.

located in Saint-Paul-de-Vence ( https://www.la-colombe-dor.com/indexEN.html )

FONDATION MAEGHT

Immerse yourself in a world of artistic imagination at Fondation Maeght. Surrounded by lush gardens, this institution showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Wander through sculptures and installations that harmoniously coexist with the natural landscape, creating a dialogue between creativity and the environment.

located in Saint-Paul-de-Vence ( https://www.fondation-maeght.com )

MATISSE CHAPEL

Serenity and artistic brilliance converge at the Chapelle Matisse. Henri Matisse's masterful design and vibrant stained glass windows infuse the chapel with a spiritual and visual richness. Experience the interplay of light and color that transforms this sacred space into a living canvas, inviting contemplation and reflection.

located in Vence ( http://chapellematisse.com )

MATISSE MUSEUM

Take a journey through the artistic evolution of Henri Matisse at the Musée Matisse. Housed in a beautiful 17th-century villa, the museum showcases an extensive collection of the artist's works, from his early paintings to his iconic cut-outs. Delve into Matisse's creative process and witness the evolution of his distinctive style.

located in Nice ( https://www.musee-matisse-nice.org )

EXOTIC GARDEN

Ascend to new heights of inspiration at the Exotic Garden in Eze. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this garden offers a breathtaking panorama and a unique collection of succulent plants from around the world. Wander through this oasis of natural beauty, where artistry is expressed through the intricate designs of both nature and landscaping.

located in Eze ( https://www.jardinexotique-eze.fr )

VILLA E-1027

Unveil the secrets of modernist architecture at Villa E-1027. Designed by Eileen Gray, this architectural marvel seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics. As you explore the villa's interiors and innovative design elements, you'll witness the harmonious fusion of art, architecture, and the surrounding landscape.

located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin ( https://capmoderne.com/fr/lieu/villa-e-1027/ )

The Pearl of Africa

You can feel the soul of a country through the eyes of its people; the hardships and struggles, the pride and the love, all written on the faces of young and old alike. In Uganda, faces light up for the camera as an outsider makes his way down a dusty trading road, into a town to sample local offerings of coffee and honey. For many, the camera is a welcome delight, a crystal ball in which they see a different version of themselves. But for every eager smile, there can also be hesitation. The distrust of a foreigner who must earn his photograph can be visceral from a population accustomed to struggle and survival. The vastness of Africa is daunting, yet its soul can be inviting, as one photographer makes his way through the different regions of Uganda. 

Known as "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda's diverse landscapes range from deep valleys and lake regions, perfectly suited for safari adventures, to the mountainous Western borders where gorillas roam free and wild. Traveling by car and boat along the borders of the Congo and Rwanda, and up through the Equator line in the heart of the country, Author Magazine photographer Bryan Tormey experienced the daily life of Uganda's people. From the frenzy of Kampala, Uganda's capital city, to the trading boats navigating the Nile River, into the rich coffee exporting towns along the Western border, he immersed himself in the everyday culture of native Ugandans, capturing the soul that vibrates through the country. 

The people of Uganda share the rich land with a myriad of animals, making it a country prime for safaris and tourism. From the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park, a lion conservation that protects the regal species, where hippos, buffalo, and elephants freely wander in the open savannah and lakes, Tormey makes his way south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Home to almost half of the world's endangered mountain gorilla population, Bwindi translates to "impenetrable" and aptly describes the sprawling, lush protected land that houses innumerable species of plants and animals. If the people of Uganda represent the country's soul, the animals are certainly the heart. They are revered, protected, honored, and coexist in harmony with local Ugandans who are trusted to guide outsiders through this special and unique world.

Our drive-by story around Uganda

"While traveling around Uganda, I tried to capture the everyday life of people through my lens. We decided to make our journey via a car, ferries, and an assortment of boats around Africa's pearl. Starting in the city of Kampala, and making our way North East to the small forest region of Pakuba, we first started our adventures. We slowly traveled south, along the border of Congo until we reached the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and rested for a few days immersing ourselves in the mountains and home of Africa's coffee exports, and all it had to offer. Shortly after heading West to the lake region of Mburo until finishing our journey back up north to the city of Kampala.

The best way to get a feel for the local culture is by having your feet on the ground, as they do. Putting yourself in others' shoes, and experiencing life from sun up to sun down surrounded by localism. Many of these images are shot from dust-filled roads, narrow Nile River passages, and homes of the beauties that took us in and showed us a glimpse of their world. It's funny when photographing people of different cultures. Some embrace the camera and love the moments it brings. They often want more to see the images and others you have taken. Smiling big, and 'Showing off' in front of the camera. While others, hide and get agitated at the mere sight of you pointing a camera at them. I enjoy both sides of this coin - it's beautiful to watch people turn on a show and flaunt their feathers. It's just as exciting to see people shy away and hide from the lens. It's this reaction that starts the conversation and interest in why they feel this way. With these individual images, I hope you find joy and curiosity in the African Pearl, known as Uganda, and encourage you to try it yourself."  - Photographer Bryan Tormey

By Elizabeth Kramsky 

Photography by Bryan Tormey

Oberoi Beach Resort

There is a world, just 25 minutes away from the frenzy of Dubai's international airport, where ancient olive trees take root, and colorful bougainvillea climb sea salted walls. Where modern architecture and design meet the soothing sound of the ocean, and green mangroves stretch as far as the eye can see. The land is called Al Zorah, in the Emirate of Ajman, and it is home to the Oberoi Beach Resort, the first of its kind to be developed in this rich and biodiverse terrain. Designed by award-winning Italian architect, Piero Lissoni, and his Lissoni Associati studio in Milan, the Oberoi Beach Resort boasts a modern, simplistic esthetic where the details take command and the outside world melts away as guests are enveloped in luxury, relaxation, and wellness.

The resort is divided into three main platforms that run parallel to the oceanfront, each increasing with size to ensure an ocean view from all areas of the resort. The buildings are connected by a series of walkways, framed by shallow pools of water, that connect to an inner courtyard where the main restaurant, bar, and other amenities are located. The property houses 113 rooms, varying in size from twin and king rooms, to suites and villas with an array of eco-friendly amenities and private, temperature-controlled pools and sundecks. The design is minimalist and contemporary, with warm earth tones and textures creating an indoor/outdoor feel at every turn. Floor to ceiling windows invite the 400-meter private beach and turquoise blue ocean to your doorstep, all the while ensuring your privacy with thoughtfully spaced rooms and state of the art technological features. 

But what is a beautiful resort without world-class amenities? The Oberoi Beach Resort has several offerings to transport and indulge its guests, catering to each whim and desire. Hidden within the lush gardens lies the Oberoi Spa, housing a collection of treatment rooms and private hammams within its open-air corridors designed to reflect the walls of an ancient Medina. Holistic treatments and massages incorporate techniques from all around the world to ensure there is an offering suited well for each guest. After the spa why not take in a few rounds of golf at the nearby Al Zorah Golf Club, just minutes from the resort. The stunning course is crafted by Nicklaus Design and incorporates natural elements such as soft sand dunes and inland mangroves, whose tide ebbs and flows with the sea. 

There are several dining options available throughout the day and night, designed to fit every mood. Whether you are relaxing on the beach, allowing the fresh fish sommelier at Aquario to craft the perfect Al Fresco late afternoon lunch for you and your guests, or dressing up for a world-class dinner at Vinesse, where the international menu offerings will keep you wanting more, night after night. Or perhaps you just need a break and are looking for a quiet corner to take a moment for yourself, you may find yourself in the Library room, where stacks of books intermingle with artwork and a small cafe is available for indulgent nibbles and coffee.

Whatever your need for getting away may be, The Oberoi Beach Resort at Al Zorah is guaranteed to fit your every need and desire. For the adventurous spirit, the resort offers off-roading desert tours, kayaking, sky-diving, and even falconry. For those traveling with families, there is a separate children's pool and sandbox to occupy the little ones. And of course, for those seeking indulgent relaxation away from the hectic world, The Oberoi Beach Resort is second to none with privacy, eco-awareness, and subtle extravagance. 

By Elizabeth Kramsky