Decorating & Design
March 23, 2021
Discover The Jet-Set Destinations Designers Are Dreaming About Right Now
After a year of quarantine, we’re itching to dip our toes in the sand and relax under some palm trees. Even though we can’t travel for pleasure yet, we can still fall in love with tropical getaways and historic castles through our screens, so we asked designers what’s sparking their post-COVID wanderlust. From a palace hotel in Jaipur to a beach resort in Belize, sit back and take a virtual trip with us!
Villa Reniella, Montefollonico, Italy
“My partner Patrick and I plan to visit my dear friend Debbie Travis at her Tuscan Villa as soon as it’s safe to do so. We go as friends, but anyone can book it as part of a group. It can be a curated week of experiences and excursions or even just a place to stay while exploring the region on your own day trips. Debbie’s decades-long career in design media has resulted in this chic and luxurious vision,” says Tommy Smythe.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
“My good friend and travel agent Kim Silvertown recommended this resort and I immediately fell in love with it. There’s something beautiful about being completely off the grid while basking in rustic luxury. Tucked away in a conservation jungle in the heart of Cambodia, this resort is its own adventure – I love the floor-to-ceiling opening, looking onto a serene river flowing underneath the structure. This is truly rustic paradise,” says Ali Budd.
Matachica Resort & Spa, Belize
“Taking this redesign from concept to completion was an ideal project for us. Our worldly sensibility, attention to detail and experience curating brands uniquely positioned us to work with Matachica. The result is a redefined Belizean beach experience that honors craftsmanship, sustainability and functionality,” say Byron and Dexter Peart of Goodee.
The Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur
“I am absolutely hankering to stay here. I used to visit Jaipur frequently because of my Indian bedding line, Imli, but have never stayed at the Rajmahal Palace. It’s by far the most beautiful boutique hotel in Jaipur. Designed by one of my favorite interior designers, Adil Ahmad, the palace is a riot of color, texture and whimsy. After a long hot day roaming the markets and working on my block prints, it would be heaven to collapse amongst all the teal and hot pink!” says Emily Griffin.
Larch Cabin, Lake District
“It’s a small, Scandinavian-style cabin in the woods, surrounded by nature. We live in the city with a lot of hustle and bustle, so we rarely ever get to enjoy beautiful scenery like this!” says Medina Grillo.
The Ned Hotel, London
“We are eager to return to this chic hotel — it’s a must-see if you’re a new traditionalist. It’s centrally located near St. Paul’s so we can easily get to our favorite spots for fashion, design, drinks and dinner,” say Kenneth McRobbie and Colin Blanchard of 31 Westgate.
“This beautiful resort was designed with an ode to nature and a great respect for the environment. The lush tropical forests surrounding the resort were truly an inspiration in the design of this stunning destination. Soft curves bring a sense of peaceful calm to the entire space. Worth a second trip!” says Michelle Martel.
The Whitby Hotel, New York City
“There’s something remarkable that happens when you leave the hustle and bustle of the NYC streets and escape to something very different, so for that reason the Whitby Hotel beckons. It’s a taste of England in the middle of Manhattan — brimming with character, color and dynamic sprit. We stayed there for a couple days on business, so we would love nothing more than to experience it on a personal level, at a slower pace,” say Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona of Atmosphere Interior Design.
Jnane Tamsna Hotel, La Palmeraie, Marrakech
“I’m absolutely captivated by the colors, sounds and vibrancy of Marrakech. When I first visited, I couldn’t get over how familiar yet entirely exhilarating the city felt. The stunning Jnane Tamsna Hotel has roused my curiosity with its intricate and modern Moroccan design. A blend of Meryanne Loum-Martin‘s refined eye for design set against the backdrop of the most serene nine-acre garden, who can help but be drawn in?” says Nike Onile of Studio Ode.
Villa Palmier, Saint Barthélemy
“This exquisite villa and the island of St. Bart’s have me dreaming of travel again! The simple white decor is calming and peaceful, making thoughtful details like warm woods and texture shine. I think it’s great design with a stunning view on a beautiful, picturesque island,” says Deb Nelson.
“To celebrate our 50th birthdays this year, we are hoping to visit Japan. Japanese designs are a strong inspiration and direction for our new home build project in the country at our farm. We want to create a modern farmhouse life mixed with a Japanese aesthetic and garden connection. Maxime will finally get his large Koi pond, and I will get my covert porches and stone garden paths connecting in and out,” say Richard Ouellette and Maxime Vandal of Les Ensembliers.
Azalaï Desert Lodge, Zagora, Morocco
“The Sahara feels otherworldly, like you’re walking on water but the waves are red dunes of sand. We were driven in by a young Bedouin man who rode the desert’s steep pitches in a four by four to a playlist of African jazz and hip-hop. Arriving at a tent, crisp white against the fiery red of the sand and electric blue sky, contrast belied our stay here. Complex tagines were served by candlelight on Moroccan carpets, and sleep came in the softest sheets under the stars. Right now, when life feels so very much on repeat, I am dreaming of being lost in the desert,” says Sam Sacks.
La Valise, Tulum, Mexico
“Although I have been to various places in Mexico, I have never visited Tulum. This resort has it all and is nestled between the sea and the jungle. The private beachfront bungalows have spectacular views and soaring ceilings made from palapa. I love the elevated rustic vibe,” says Vanessa Francis.
“I love staying in downtown L.A., I feel it has a little more grit and new luxe hotels are popping up like the NoMad. It’s a gorgeous deco building that has been converted into a hip boutique hotel. I love the feeling in the lobby with the layering of all the textures and the pared back rooms with a traditional twist,” says Aly Velji.
The Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, British Columbia
“The way the dining room juts into the ocean is like a bowsprit on a ship. It doesn’t take away from the landscape,” says Brian J. McCarthy.
The Wolseley, London
“One special place I’ve been obsessing over is the beautiful The Wolseley restaurant in London’s Piccadilly district. The interior architectural story — not to mention its bold black and white floor tile design — is divine. It’s become an inspirational reference point for a client project we’re developing,” says Corey Damen Jenkins.
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris
“Dining at the beautifully designed Hôtel de Crillon is an out-of-body experience. The outdoor courtyard is a masterpiece in design, and the chairs are comfortable but still clearly designed for outdoor living,” says Garrow Kedigian.
Nihi Sumba, Sumba, Indonesia
An hour’s flight southeast of Bali, this resort offers villa-living with a dreamy view of the island’s thriving jungle and blue waters. According to design maven Kelly Wearstler, it’s the place to go for a “super-authentic, raw and refined luxury surfing holiday.”
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
“Le Sirenuse is my favorite hotel. The moment you step inside, you’re taken care of. Everyone is so helpful and kind; it’s effortless and Italian and wonderful,” says Martin Brudnizki.
Set up in a 19th century palazzo, this Soho House outpost combines East and West, old and new (think: walk-in rainforest showers, hammam rooms and an old-school speakeasy). “Travel is the best education one can ever receive, no matter what age, so I say grab your passport and seize the day,” says Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu
Designer Montana Burnett‘s top pick, a remodelled 1950s beach hotel, pays homage to easy, breezy coastal living — sink-in couches, surf safaris and Mini Coopers included.
Amangiri Hotel, Canyon Point, Utah
Watch as the sky — framed by mesas and mountains — turns from ochre to pink from this artful oasis nestled in beautiful Red Rock Country. “I’ve had my eye on Amangiri in Canyon Point for years!” says Nyla Free. (Cindy Crawford’s husband Rande Gerber is said to be a fan, too!)
Inspiring designers Samer Shaath and Kevin Chan, this tranquil escape from the cosmopolitan streets of Tokyo delivers a traditional Japanese ryokan experience. Expect soft tatami matting underfoot, conscious bamboo closets and hot spring baths with sky views as you soak. “It’s always a great time to go to Japan, but next year the Olympics will give you even more reason to go,” says Kevin.
Lisnavagh House, Ireland
“I love to escape city life for a country retreat like Lisnavagh House,” says Cali-based designer Stefani Stein. Not only does the private estate sit on 600 acres of woods and farmland, it features acres of lush gardens to frolic through.
Grace’s Cottage, Turks and Caicos
“Grace’s Cottage is the most romantic and transporting restaurants in Turks and Caicos. You can have a glass of rosé at the buzzy bar and lounge, walk on the pristine white sand beach and gaze at the bluest waters on earth. Absolute heaven,” says NYC designer Young Huh.