Gleneagles, Scotland

For as long as I can remember I’ve been enamored of all things British, from Downing Street to

Downton Abbey. Nibbling a scone or sipping a single malt conjures images of spaniels and

shooting parties, of liveried footmen and libraries redolent of leather: an all-but-vanished era of

grandeur and privilege.

Happily for my romantic side, the fab, fabled Gleneagles Hotel, set amid 850 acres of glorious

Perthshire country, provides the kind of experience one nowadays expects only to find in

fiction. How prestigious and exclusive is the address? Gleneagles boasts its own train station,

which, as I decamp in the January mist, resembles something out of the Hitchcock classic, The

39 Steps. It’s a throwback to its origins as a palatial hotel built by the Caledonian Railway

Company in 1924, partly to service the existing golf courses, which opened five years earlier.

After an arduous journey, fraught with delays on the London-Glasgow train line, I’m grateful to

see Willie, the Gleneagles chauffeur, awaiting me at the station with a warm grin (but alas, no

warming flask). We pull up to Gleneagles in mere minutes. The main entrance is gratifyingly

imposing, but the welcome within utterly gracious. The hotel is sprawling, “only” 232

bedrooms including 26 suites, but it’s spread out over two wings. I’m staying in the more

modern annex that also houses the ESPA spa and Mediterranean restaurant Deseo, linked to the

main house by a luxurious retail arcade.

Gastronomic Gallivants

My first afternoon in Monaco I head for that bastion of the Belle Époque, the Hôtel de Paris, arguably the Principality’s most prestigious address, as eternally chic as Chanel’s little black dress. I order the signature cocktail – Le Borromeo – in the famed Bar Américain, whose mahogany moldings, marble tables, gold-tasseled damask curtains and black-and-white photos of celebrities still evoke the Gilded Age… no matter how many iPads and cell phones click and beep in the background.

Here the violently beautiful and merely wealthy – rock stars and Rockefellers, real and reel royalty – play at anonymity, violate personal trainers’ and nutritionists’ advice, and indulge in the occasional vice away from the paparazzi’s popping bulbs. As I leave, a sleek Bentley Mulsanne disgorges its cargo outside the grand Casino de Monte-Carlo: Two nouveau riche Russian emigrés, hiding behind Bvlgari sunglasses and bulldog bodyguards, wear willowy models like Rolexes on their arms. An elegant blonde of a certain age – nails freshly lacquered, hair perfectly coiffed à la Deneuve – walks a tiny white bichon frise, yapping madly, its collar of diamonds (larger than most engagement rings) glinting in the fading sun. They’re all on parade, even in winter. Monaco among many other things, is sublime people-watching. It’s pure living theater, at times of the absurd, but always invigorating – and don’t we love dining as entertainment?

Somerset Maugham famously dubbed the Cote d’Azur “A sunny place for shady people,” but in Monaco, at least, there is no chiaroscuro of the soul, merely the play of light and shadow across the mega-yachts in Port Hercule. Something I savor the next day on the terrace of L’Hirondelle, the lovely little gem tucked away in the Thermes Marins spa.

Goyard, the Ultimate in Sacks Appeal

When top toque Alain Ducasse needed a “chef’s trunk” to spirit his specialty kitchen equipment between far-flung culinary outposts, he approached France’s oldest malletier, Goyard, which began producing quality luggage and leather goods in 1853 (a year earlier than Louis Vuitton!). This exclusive retail equivalent of a three-star Michelin restaurant has long served an elite clientele – maharajahs to movie icons, Rockefellers to rock stars – that values impeccable craftsmanship and bespoke detail-work over flashy fashion-Fascist fads.

Goyard goods seem born to board the Queen Mary II and Orient Express; one imagines their trunks being unpacked for socialites in a James or Fitzgerald novel. Yet the brand originated with a humble Burgundian family specializing in floating wood. At the Industrial Revolution’s zenith, Edmé Goyard and his son, François, moved to Paris and joined Morel, a leading layetier emballeur (case manufacturer). Ardor and ability quickly earned François an associate position. Buying out his partner in 1853, he relocated to 233 rue Saint Honoré, opening Maison Goyard.

Visionary son Edmond gave Goyard its unique look and identity in 1892, stylizing the plain coated cotton-linen-and-hemp canvas that wrapped the trunks with a hand-painted interlacing chevron motif. Cognoscenti coveted this couture covering. Sarah Bernhardt, Sacha Guitry, the Maharajah of Kapurthala, César Ritz and John D. Rockefeller all traveled in Goyard style. Subsequent devotees included Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck and Pablo Picasso.

Swank Team

Andrew Innerarity

I PREFER TO LET THE IMAGES DO THE TALKING.

Ava Rosales

So, what’s the best part of traveling? Meeting new people and immersing myself in the culture!

Danielle Krause

Exploring the fascinating variety of this exquisitely beautiful blue planet nourishes and fulfills my spirit. Being able to delight and inspire you, by sharing some of these travel gems, is an even greater gift. Enjoy!

Dylan Benoit

I’m a chef with Champagne taste and a beer budget, but always seem to find myself surrounded by the most amazing people in the most amazing places. From eating termites in the Honduran jungle to learning how to make dim sum in Hong Kong, for me treasure is in the story.

George Andrews

On a constant mission to show my family the world moves on without them by constantly exposing them new cultures. We have seen New York, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Washington, Trinidad and Samoa. Can’t wait to add to the list.

Jeffrey Sobel

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller. With so much to see in this world there is no time for fear, so pack your bags and take a leap with me.

Jordan Simon

The professionally gruff waiters serving martinis amid the murals at Bemelman’s. Staying in Oscar Wilde’s suite at L’Hotel in Paris. These were my intro to swank: I still seek out those experiences, from a hidden locavore Aix bistro to a luxe tented camp on the Zambezi. Swanky is a lifestyle…and a state of mind.

Luis Jaime

“The journey is part of the experience – an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.”

-Anthony Bourdain

Massimo Campana
Pack two hours before leaving for a trip…
Unpack three months after coming home…

Stephanie Malloch

In the last ten years I have lived in New York, Madrid and the Bay Area but my husband and I have finally settled down in Medellin, Colombia. The travel bug keeps biting and since I became a mother, my appreciation for all things luxurious, delicious and generally Swanky has reached new highs!

Peta Phipps

Swanky Retreats was born out of our passion for travel. We adore everything that encompasses the travel experience! Personally, I love the adventure, the unknown and the eventuality of discovering something new and exciting. #ConstantlyInMotion #LovesBalloons

Letter from Africa

My wife and I return to Marrakech every year as we love its timelessly exotic yet cosmopolitan appeal. And though the city has undergone transformations since my first visit, when it comes to its mystique, plus ça change, plus la même chose.

Over the years we have stayed at many resorts and riads in Marrakech. Our favorite experiences remain the Four Seasons, where the service is always amazing, and La Maison Arabe for its location in the Medina, local cuisine and warm wonderful people. Both properties represent excellent value relative to their exceptional quality.

The spectacular Royal Mansour, owned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, is well worth visiting. Lunch on the Terrasse and dinner at Michelin darling Yannick Alleno’s restaurants here are pricey but amazing. The spa is also quite impressive. The suites are all very luxurious riads (but take the steep stairs into consideration if you stay at one!).

We’re not big fans of buffets, but love the impressive breakfast spread by the pool at La Mamounia. Take a walk in the gardens (l’Orangeraie) while visiting this exquisite property. Comptoir Darna for a romantic dinner with local cuisine and dancers is another favorite: a clubby atmosphere and authentic Moroccan experience, very popular without being too touristy.

Every visitor to Marrakech must experience the marvelous Medina, but beware of the pricing here, even if you hire a guide. Away from all the tourist-trap Medina shops, be sure to visit Atika, the best shoe store we have ever visited, where the locals shop for high-end footwear. Selections are unique – you may find the same pair of great-looking shoes in ten different colors, which I have not found anywhere else during my travels. Don’t practice the fine art of haggling here! You don’t negotiate prices (contrary to other stores in Marrakech), but the prices are reasonable: another great quality-value relationship!

If you enjoy cigars as I do, bring your own as they are only sold at a few five-star hotels (La Mamounia and Royal Mansour) but extremely expensive

For sunset and dinner in the desert, La Pause is the destination: Camel ride in the dunes followed by dinner outside by the fire. There’s no electricity: Hundreds of candles light this oasis in a remote location. They only accept cash; be sure keep cash for the driver on the way back.

An hour south of Marrakech, Kasbah Tamadot – Sir Richard Branson’s estate in the Atlas Mountains – remains one of our favorites. We got married here in 2014, so it always holds a special place for us. Book one of the Berber tents. The Hamman at the spa was a great experience as a couple, as is a candlelit dinner on the roof of the resort accompanied by local musicians.

The best hotels will drive you back to the airport and assist with check-in and immigration. But at that point you may already be planning your next return.

The Tribal Hotel

Once plagued by tragic violence and civil war, Nicaragua has emerged as the Cinderella of Central America. Beautiful coast lines, lush forests and great surfing have expats, entrepreneurs and tourists flocking here in search of a more authentic Latin American experience.

Founded in 1524, the colonial city of Granada is Nicaragua’s crown jewel. Boasting stunning architecture, great food, friendly people and an old-world vibe all set to the back drop of the beautiful Lake Nicaragua, this UNESCO protected city is not to be missed. And for lovers of impeccable design and an appreciation of local artistry, nothing matches Tribal Hotel.

With rooms under $200 a night and just two blocks from the main square, Tribal Hotel is an affordable urban oasis that does not compromise on taste. Founded by NYC hotspot veterans and childhood friends Jean-Marc Houmard (of fashion-crowd favorite Indochine fame) and Yvan Cussigh, Tribal Hotel is the stuff of your design dreams. Mixing custom pieces handcrafted by local artisans, textiles collected from around the globe and mementos from the owners’ NYC stomping ground, Tribal Hotel offers a reinvigorating retreat from the ubiquitous colonial architecture and a perfect base for your Nicaraguan adventure. tribal-hotel.com.

Grand Ferdinand

The landmark 1950’s Veitscher Magnesitwerke AG headquarters, on Vienna’s stately Ring Boulevard in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural hub, has been exquisitely transformed into this new hotel. Celebrating all that embodies luxury, the Grand Ferdinand’s fresh interpretation of traditional Viennese fin de siècle elegance offers true gemütlichkeit (warm hospitality) and sophistication with all the modern comforts and amenities.

Recapturing the beauty of a bygone era, the Grand Ferdinand celebrates traditional artisans: Lobmeyr chandeliers with real candles, Wiener Silbermanufaktur silverware, the best French champagnes, superb grand Viennese cuisine… even the hotel’s own sporty Maserati Quattroprote and notable Jaguar are for hire. (The Jaguar was once Nikki Lauder’s grandfather’s company car while he was director of the Veitscher Magnesitwerke).

The 188 rooms (including four suites and one grand suite) are impeccably furnished with king-size beds and Raindance showers. There’s a gym, an old-fashioned barber, a courtyard verdant oasis and – unique to Vienna – a rooftop pool with fabulous panoramic views of the city and beyond. There are three restaurants: the Ferdinand featuring superb locally grown delicacies, the Gulasch & Champagne (a modern twist of the Austrian Würstelstand) and the bright Grand Étage Restaurant overlooking the Viennese rooftops.

Best of all, the Grand Ferdinand offers accommodations for any budget, from grand suites at 1500 Euros to 6- to 8-bed “Orient Express-style” dorm rooms, furnished with chandeliers and red mahogany bunk beds at 30 Euros a night (and bookable on AirBnB!). Here at your home away from home, you can explore the magnificent cultural riches that this fabulous grand city offers. www.grandferdinand.com/en

The Unexpected Southend

“Down by the sea…wouldn’t it be lovely…down by the sea.” Kept running that song through my head as I walked by the seashore. A weekend stay at The Roslin Beach Hotel opened me up to the wonders of Essex’s Southend-on-Sea, less than an hour outside of London. Once thought of as a day trip for Londoners and a bedroom community where commuters could get more home value for their pound, things are being rethought.

While the inverse has been true for as far back as one can remember, guests are finding themselves drawn to the seashore and day tripping into London for all that both cities have to offer. With fresh seafood, right outside its doors, the Roslin has plenty to offer on the gastronomic front. The owner also owns a farm not too far inland and employs the farm-to-table concept as much as he can. He’s a well-traveled businessman and as he gets on with the business at hand the world over, we are fortunate enough that he brings home the best of where he’s stayed and treats his guests to those amenities and design features.

Goyard, the Ultimate in Sacks Appeal

When top toque Alain Ducasse needed a “chef’s trunk” to spirit his specialty kitchen equipment between far-flung culinary outposts, he approached France’s oldest malletier, Goyard, which began producing quality luggage and leather goods in 1853 (a year earlier than Louis Vuitton!). This exclusive retail equivalent of a three-star Michelin restaurant has long served an elite clientele – maharajahs to movie icons, Rockefellers to rock stars – that values impeccable craftsmanship and bespoke detail-work over flashy fashion-Fascist fads.

Goyard goods seem born to board the Queen Mary II and Orient Express; one imagines their trunks being unpacked for socialites in a James or Fitzgerald novel. Yet the brand originated with a humble Burgundian family specializing in floating wood. At the Industrial Revolution’s zenith, Edmé Goyard and his son, François, moved to Paris and joined Morel, a leading layetier emballeur (case manufacturer). Ardor and ability quickly earned François an associate position. Buying out his partner in 1853, he relocated to 233 rue Saint Honoré, opening Maison Goyard.

Vienna’s Spittelberg

Swanky Streets:

Looking down the row of neatly ordered houses with their manicured storefronts and prim facades lining cobblestone lanes, I am reminded of Ben Franklin’s observation, “Vice knows she’s ugly so puts on her mask.”

But this is Vienna, a city that has always known the difference between appearance and reality, and the street is Spittelberggasse, the main drag of the Spittelberg district, which has a long, rich history of flouting convention.

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Gleneagles, Scotland

Gastronomic Gallivants

Goyard, the Ultimate in Sacks Appeal

Swank Team

Letter from Africa

The Tribal Hotel

Grand Ferdinand

The Unexpected Southend

Goyard, the Ultimate in Sacks Appeal

Vienna’s Spittelberg

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