I’m obviously a Right Bank devotee – my blog is called From the Right Bank, after all – but the soon-to-be-open Hotel Belle Juliette is enticing me across the river.
Isn’t it just overflowing with design inspiration?
Happy Traveling Thursday! Bon voyage!
There’s nothing I love more than a beautiful hotel except a beautiful hotel that also has an exquisite restaurant. L’Andana in Tuscany would be one such hotel. Housed in a villa that belonged to the Medicis and developed by super chef Alain Ducaisse (I once took a class at his cooking school in Paris but more on that another time), L’Andana is on my must-do list.
You can see why, right?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: L’Andana)
Remember when I flipped for the Hotel du Petit Moulin designed by Christian Lacroix? Well, I love everything he does and most recently, it’s the Hotel Notre Dame whose rooms are filled with
…royal blue velvet, wall-to-wall carpet that resembles medieval paving stones, “cowhide” wallpaper, floral and striped fabrics, marble, slate, natural yellow tones, stone and period wooden beams…
It’s bold, colorful and fun – all the reasons I love Lacroix.
The location is pretty special too, wouldn’t you say?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Hotel Notre Dame)
I’ve been meaning to post about Tcherassi Hotel in Cartagena since it opened earlier this year. I know Colombia isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of travel destinations. But there’s actually been a lot of buzz about it in recent years in the travel community. But obviously it’s still – relatively speaking – off the beaten track and that’s precisely the appeal for me. Also when I was in Brazil recently, I saw a really great spread in a local magazine about Colombia and that was it, it’s now officially on my list.
The hotel is housed in a renovated 250-year-old colonial mansion which I just love because I have a real thing for historic buildings.
Pretty stylish, right?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Tcherassi Hotel)
I’ve wanted to go to Turkey forever but I’d want to stay at Istanbul’s A’Jia Hotel no matter where it was.
Look at the setting!
When a location is this gorgeous you almost don’t care what the inside looks like! But not to fear, the inside is lovely too.
I don’t know why I haven’t been to Turkey yet other than I guess I’ve just been busy going everywhere else. But I just finished reading Ionia by Freya Stark and now I want to go more than ever.
Freya Stark is the author of many travel classics and is known as the “poet of travel.” Much of her life was spent exploring the Middle East on her own at a time when it was neither advised nor socially acceptable. Ionia is her account of traveling the western coast of Turkey in 1952. It’s a fascinating look at the culture as shaped by religion, society, and commerce and how different this popular travel destination was then; she ran into only one other traveler on her entire journey.
You might remember this quote by Freya Stark I posted a few months ago:
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.”
This is one of the reasons I love traveling so much. But if you can’t physically get away, armchair travel is the next best thing and Ionia will transport you to another time and place. It is widely available, including at Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, and Borders.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
There are days when I want to see nothing but vibrant colors. Then there are the other days like today when I am completely loving the all black, white and gray decor at the Distrito Captial in Mexico City. I don’t currently have any plans to go to Mexico City (I went once and loved it) but I’ve had it filed away just in case.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
You can also find me at Automatism today. I’m sharing a snapshot of what summer means to me in Lori’s Snapshot series. Thank you for having me, Lori!
(Photos: via Yatzer)
You’ve probably heard about the star-studded re-opening of La Mamounia. It’s the legendary Marrakesh hotel that was recently given a makeover by the one and only Jacques Garcia. The travel and design industries have all been abuzz about it but it has special meaning for me because . . .
. . . la Mamounia is where we stayed on our honeymoon.
Now, that was quite a long time ago . . .
and it didn’t look exactly like this . . .
but it was still pretty fabulous.
I remember the gardens being especially beautiful.
But seeing these new photos . . .
makes me think . . .
we may need to pay it another visit.
Maybe we should consider . . .
an anniversary trip? 
Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a really exciting giveaway. (It’s the biggest one yet!)
(All photos: La Mamounia)
Since I didn’t make it to England this month, I decided to torture myself even more with pictures of Hotel Endsleigh.
Between the decor and the setting, it could not be more charming.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
To make up for the London trip that got canceled last week and to take a much (much!) needed break, I am off to New York today for the weekend. So I’ll leave you with some pictures of where I’ll be staying:
I’ll take the extra long tufted leather couch and the Knoll Platner table, please.
Groovy.
Is wood paneling making a comeback? I don’t know but I love all the blues and especially that pillow.
I’ll be hanging out with my GBF, seeing some shows and exhibits and finally having dinner at Per Se. As a consolation trip, I’ll take it.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage! See you Monday!
So I decided to go to London for my getaway in February. I was still looking around for places to stay when I saw that I had bookmarked York & Albany, Gordon Ramsay’s hotel and restaurant that he opened a little over a year ago.
Gordon Ramsay is one of those personalities that people either love or hate. I happen to love him. For starters, I find him and all of his shows highly entertaining and in a strange way, there’s something kind of sexy about him. But more importantly, his food is out of this world.
We tried a bunch of times to make reservations at a couple of his London restaurants when we lived in Paris but it was impossible. We finally got to have the Gordon Ramsay experience at his restaurant in New York right after it opened and I know he took a pounding from the critics but I swear to you it was one the best meals ever. (And I’ve put away a lot of good food in my day!) What made the meal even more memorable was that he was there in the flesh. He rushed through the room a couple of times and I was just about to say something to him as he passed by our table when the sommelier got between us to check on our wine. Damn him! So I didn’t get to chat him up but I did catch his eye and shot him an all-approving look. I think he got it. (Oh, and that thing about him being sexy? Even more so in person!)
About a year after that, I ate at his restaurant in Tokyo and I’m telling you, the man can do no wrong.
So I think it’s high time I finally go to at least one of his restaurants in London. (Stalker much?)
Put a few nice, well-appointed hotel rooms above it and hell, how can I stay away?
So tell me, do you love him or hate him?
I am so ready for an escape from all the moving and home repairs, I’m plotting a getaway just as soon as possible. I’m thinking of popping over to Paris or London for a few days next month. (One of the perks of living in Atlanta is tons of nonstop flights to Europe.) So I was doing a little hotel search and came across the High Road House in London.
Now I’m sure you’ve all seen this room which has been published about a thousand times (if not more):
But did you know it’s at the High Road House?
I love the clean, white aesthetic with a pop of one bold color . . .
and the simplicity of all the rooms accessorized with just the perfect lights (which we all know is so hard to find!) . . .
I also love the charm and coziness of this space:
There’s that rolled arm sofa I’m dying for again and the color palette is just lovely. Isn’t it inviting?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
Not even an upcoming cross country move keeps this travel addict from thinking about traveling. In fact, when I found out we were moving to Atlanta, one of my first thoughts was, “I’ll be so much closer to New York!” Shorter trips mean more frequent trips! Whoo hoo!
The next New York hotel I want to check out is the Crosby Hotel from the Firmdale Group, whose Haymarket Hotel I blogged about earlier.
Gray and white striped wallpaper – swoon!
Loving the collection of different colored lanterns and the striped upholstery:
Check out the old telephones on the wall:
Like the Haymarket, the decor is stylish but cozy at the same time. Plus, I’m a sucker for any place with a good afternoon tea.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
I’m one of the few Seattlites who doesn’t complain about the weather. Except lately. October has been so gloomy and cold that even I’m thinking about warm places. And you know where it’s really warm? Singapore.
Which brings us to Klapsons Boutique Hotel.
This hotel has enough cool architectural features and furnishings for several hotels. Check it:
Where do I get my hands on these crazy lights?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
Don’t forget to enter the All Modern Giveaway this week!
The Story Hotel in Stockholm describes its style as bohemian chic and I think that’s the perfect description. There are lots of fun ideas to take away from it.
Velvet banquettes are so cozy:
Single stems in mismatched bottles are a pretty and casual:
Purple velvet is always yummy:
Love the oversized floor lamp:
and the painted ceramic bowls as sinks:
The tight grouping of photography is fabulous as are the chairs:
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
It’s a double feature on today’s Traveling Thursday.
Sometimes, even we city girls crave a little country. More specifically, English country. Like right now, I wouldn’t mind a little fall getaway to either The Olde Bell or the The Crown- or both! They are described as “modern day coaching inns” and are the creation of designer Ilse Crawford. As if I didn’t worship her enough!
First up, the Olde Bell:
I want this tub for my house. Heck, I want the whole bathroom for my house.
Don’t you just want to sit at this table and warm up with a cuppa and listen to the fire crackle?
Then a glass of champagne before dinner?
This is the Crown:
Loving the color palette here:
What a cheerful spot for breakfast:
I love the windows!
And it doesn’t get much cozier than this:
Don’t they just look like rural bliss? Did you notice the strategically placed tea pot in just about every photo? Just one of the many reasons I love the British!
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: 1-7. The Olde Bell 8-14.The Crown)
I’m always dying to go somewhere and since about a year ago, I’ve been itching to go to Antwerp. I’m so inspired by all the great design that’s been coming from Antwerp over the years (Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten – three of my all time favorites) that I think it’s a must for me the next time I’m in Europe.
Plus, Belgium has the world’s best chocolate and beer. I’m not normally a big consumer of chocolate or beer but I am when I’m in Belgium! Oh, and we can’t forget the frites. Also the best in the world.
Being the center of style that it is, it’s no surprise that there are some very fashionable places to stay in Antwerp. De Witte Lelie Hotel has caught my eye for its gorgeous, understated decor and traditional architecture.
It’s just so elegant, isn’t it?
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: De Witte Lelie Hotel)
I have wanted to go to Zanzibar for a very, very long time. I don’t normally like to throw the word “exotic” around but I’m making an exception here because it’s just so fitting. The history, architecture, mix of cultures, . . . it’s everything that gets me all hot and bothered.
And I’ve had my eye on 236 Hurumzi for just as long. In that time, it’s undergone a name change and some expansion but as far as I can tell, it still oozes romance.
I love a good rooftop lounge and 236 Hurumzi’s has got to be one of the world’s best. Look at the views over the town and the Indian Ocean beyond!
All of their rooms are different and decorated with antiques in wonderful jewel tones.
It’s kind of funky, quirky and romantic all at the same time. Just what I want in a place like Zanzibar!
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: 236 Hurumzi)
Appropriately enough, I’m traveling on this Traveling Thursday – to Atlanta on business – so I thought I’d show you the W Hotel in Midtown, Atlanta where I’ll be staying.
I want these lights in my house:
If anyone knows the source for these (or anything like these), do tell!
I’m not crazy about this room but I believe that’s a suspended chair by the window:
If it is, you know where you’ll find me.
Loving the tub:
and the concrete staircase:
So that’s where I’ll be for the next few days. But I have something very special planned here for tomorrow. It’s the first interview at From the Right Bank and it’s an exclusive one at that with none other than Vicente Wolf! So be sure to stop by.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
High on my travel wish list is to visit the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. And I think when the time comes, the Taj Tashi will be a must.
Look at the setting!
The traditional architecture and design mixed with modern furnishings strikes the perfect balance.
How dreamy would it be to spend an evening by the fire on this terrace?
Since my most incredible hotel experience was at a Taj hotel, I trust that Taj Tashi will not disappoint.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Taj Tashi)
Since my interview about Paris style, I’ve had France on the brain so that’s where we’re headed this Traveling Thursday.
One of the very best things about living in Paris was being able to just jump in the car and explore different parts of the country on the weekends. We managed to see quite a bit but there just wasn’t enough time for all that France has to offer.
One of my biggest regrets is never having made it to Les Crayères.
The chateau was built in 1904 and is located in Reims, the capital of Champagne.
It’s all gilt mirrors, chandeliers, wrought-iron balconies, intricate moldings, and lots and lots of toile. In other words, it’s that old school, French opulence which we Francophiles sometimes just need. (My fellow Francophiles, can I get an amen?)
But all this isn’t my main motivation for wanting to go to Les Crayères.
Nope. It’s the cellar of 300 champagnes and Michelin 3-star restaurant.
In my book: champagne + fine food = heaven.
My dearest Crayères, I’m so sorry I didn’t pay you a visit before we moved away. But I promise you that you will see me one day. Love, me.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Les Crayères)
We had been planning on taking a trip to Southeast Asia this fall but it looks like the hubs can’t get away for a long trip until after the holidays. That’s okay but if I don’t get on a plane every few months, I get antsy so we’re thinking of taking a shorter trip in the meantime.
Now, it may have something to do with Anthony Bourdain going to Mexico on an especially entertaining episode of No Reservations a couple of weeks ago (love that show) or it may be because Karly posted some killer Mexican hotels recently but in any case, we’re leaning toward Mexico. We both love it there, haven’t been in years and it’s relatively close.
In my usual fashion, I’ve been all over the place researching like a mad woman and as of today, Hotel Azucar is looking really good.
Individual white bungalows . . .
with white on white,
rustic, minimalist decor,
a nice looking pool . . .
and it sounds like it’s pretty far off the beaten path.
Pretty charming, isn’t it? I can see myself kicking it in the biblioteca like this guy. Although maybe not in such shiny pants. (Look in the chair at the bottom right. What is that? Lamé?) Oh, and they have the cutest website. We all know how important a good website is to a nice hotel stay(!) I’m such a sucker, I know.
If you have suggestions for other out of the way hotels in Mexico, please pass them along. Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Hotel Azucar)
Adrère Amellal is straight out of a traveler’s fantasy.
It’s located in the Siwa Oasis in western Egypt and the setting is not to be believed.
It is one the world’s last remaining oases and it’s filled with ancient ruins, rock formations, palm groves and salt lakes.
In the middle of this, the Adrère Amellal was built as an ecolodge made up of renovated Siwan houses.
All the furnishings are made locally using natural materials and traditional design.
Meals are made from locally sourced food.
And there is no electricity or phones.
It’s all candlelight!
Between the setting and the lodge itself, this has to be one of the most special places in the world.
It seems impossible to me that a place like this actually exists and I’m dying to see it for myself. One day!
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Adrère Amellal)
We’re thinking of going to Southeast Asia later in the year and that means we’ll probably have to go through Bangkok. Now Bangkok is not one my favorite places in the world. It’s a bit too hot, crowded and polluted for my taste. But it does have amazing food, great hotels, and excellent service and it’s really convenient as a transit point. So if we do end up there for a day or two, you certainly won’t hear me complain. And I’m thinking about staying at the new-ish Lebua at State Tower.
Hello, rooftop bar on the 63rd floor! How are you and your panoramic views of the city and river?
Look at that view! Is that amazing or what? It also has the world’s highest al fresco restaurant.
All the rooms are suites and have balconies overlooking the city and river.
They look very nice but I doubt I’ll be spending much time in our room because I’ll be too busy checking out the pool:
the wine bar:
more restaurants with more great views:
and of course, that rooftop bar again!
Not a bad way to spend a night or two, right? Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Lebua)
For this week’s Traveling Thursday feature, we’re sticking a little closer to home.
Nick’s Cove is located an hour north of San Francisco on Tomales Bay and is made up of small cabins built in the 1930′s.
I think most of you know I like my fancy but there are times when I crave something rustic and rural and I think Nick’s Cove fits the bill perfectly.
In fact, it’s the kind of place I would like as a weekend house.
There’s also a restaurant inside a historic roadhouse that’s famous for BBQ oysters.
What do you think? Pretty charming, isn’t it? Any place with history, a view like that and BBQ oysters is alright in my book.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Nick’s Cove)
I don’t think it would be right to write another Traveling Thursday post before I tell you about the best hotel stay I have ever had. I’ve been lucky to have stayed in some great hotels over the years so this is quite a statement. But the Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India is that special.
I had wanted to go to India forever and we finally made it there last year. When I was making the plans, I debated long and hard between the Lake Palace and the Oberoi but in the end, I went for the history and the unparalleled location. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made!
Everyone describes the white marble building as seeming to float in the middle of the lake. And it really does! There’s just no place like it anywhere.
It was originally built over 250 years ago as a summer residence for the Maharajah and the rooms are definitely worthy of the royal family.
There’s a beautiful lily pond in the courtyard of the building. It’s famous for being in the James Bond film “Octopussy.” (The hotel has it in its DVD collection and even though it’s not the best movie, it’s definitely fun to watch on location!)
The pool area is also just gorgeous.
I spent many hours swimming, lounging, reading and just enjoying the views of the city. (Here is where my photos begin. The photos above are from the hotel’s site.)
Refreshments and magazines poolside with the best view of the city.
The only way to reach the Lake Palace is by one of their private boats:
from their private jetty:
And to top it all off, the service was just flawless throughout and the food was amazing. We had a private dinner on the rooftop one night and these photos don’t come close to showing how fantastic it all was.
It was a traditional thali dinner and I can state without any hesitation that it was the best thali I’ve ever had in my life. And I’ve had a lot of thalis in my day. It was also so beautifully presented on a silver thali tray. (With all those silver bowls, that tray weighed a ton!) Okay, I’ll stop saying word thali now.
Moving on to our farewell breakfast. It took two people to deliver it to our room. (This was just the first part!)
And have a look at what I called my “bathtub room.” Not the bathroom, mind you, because that was another room. This room just had the tub and that view. One night we came back from dinner and found it drawn, filled with rose petals and the room lit with candles.
Fresh flowers, intricately inlaid furniture and marble accessories in the white marble bathroom:
They also have their own fleet of beautiful vintage cars for touring the city:
and traditional dancing and music in the evenings:
Did I mention that they also have their own flutist? You have to look hard but he’s playing sweet music under that flower covered arch.
Oh and I haven’t even talked about the spa! Well, I could talk nonstop about how wonderful it is so I’ll just stop here by saying that I seriously thought I had died and gone to heaven. It’s been almost a year since our trip and I still find myself savoring all the details. It’s the one place I would fly half way around the world for just to stay in again for a few days.
Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: 1-7.Taj Lake Palace Hotel 8-14.alek)
I’ve had romantic notions of estancias in Argentina in my head for quite some time. Have a look at the Estancia El Colibri.
Can you see why? Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!
(Photos: Estancia El Colibri)
I’m so, so excited to be starting a new feature today! I have already posted a few special places to stay around the world but I’m making it official today on what I’m calling Traveling Thrursdays. For the whole story behind this new feature, please click here.
I’m kicking it off with the Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh, Scotland. I talked before about how much I want to go to Scotland. I’ve been to England, Ireland and even Wales, but not Scotland. How does that even happen?! I don’t know but now there’s one more reason I need to go.
There you can sleep on beds with Missoni linens . . .
eat off of Missoni dishes . . .
lounge around in Missoni robes . . .
and hang out in your Missoni dress and fabulously coordinate with your room:
Okay, I don’t think dresses are included so you’d better pack your own.
The colors, the patterns . . . I say “viva Missoni!” What say you?
I really hope you enjoyed the debut of Traveling Thursdays! As always, I love hearing your thoughts so do let me know. Bon voyage!
(Photos: Hotel Missoni)
Greetings from New York! Before heading back home, I wanted to show you the Cooper Square Hotel. We decided to divide our nights between here and the Hotel on Rivington because we stayed at the Cooper Square in March when it first opened and liked it quite a bit but they were still working out some kinks. Now that it’s operating at 100%, we wanted to give it another go plus it’s the best location.
The rooms are very tastefully done in a soothing palette of gray, slate blue and green. But the best part may be the common spaces, especially the library.
It’s actually much cozier in person than in the photos.
There’s also a nice outdoor space which is such a luxury in Manhattan.
I’m glad we decided to split our stay because overall, our experience was so much better at the Cooper Square. The service just didn’t compare at the Rivington.
I’ll be back home tomorrow and to visit all of you so see you then!
I’m going to New York for a long weekend in a couple of weeks and as usual, I’ve been scouting around for a fun place to stay with good design.
The Hotel on Rivington had me at the floor to ceiling windows.
And how much do I love yellow?
I don’t know what these cotton-balls-on-steroids-looking things are but I want to squeeze them:
And check out the tufted black chairs and tulip side table against that silver wallpaper. Lovely.
Yup, this is the one. My room is booked!
(Photos: Hotel on Rivington)
(the setting for one of my favorite tv shows, Monarch of the Glen)
One of the things I miss most about living in Paris has nothing to do with Paris at all. It was the easy access to so many great places and not just in Europe but parts of Africa and the Middle East too. We managed to see a lot but we couldn’t get everywhere – I think I’d need many more years for that – and one of the places I really wish we had had time for is Scotland. The Highlands, the Hebrides, castles and glens . . . it’s all so romantic to me.
When I do get there, one of the places I’d love to stay is the Jura Lodge. I love the color combination in this sitting room:
The pale blue walls, dark floors, a pop of purple with lots of black. And what about the light fixtures, the black door, the molding and that drum?!
I love the cabinets and chairs in the kitchen, too. The whole place is slightly over the top but in the best way.
(Photos: 1. BBC 2&3. Isle of Jura)
