SOUTH TYROL
Tucked in the mountains
Michal Kurtis, the former fashion director of Barney’s NY, shares one of her favorite spots with us. Michal is a consultant living between Berlin and NYC and shows us the perfect getaway to relax from the buzzing city life.
Forestis Hotel in the Dolomites is a luxurious retreat that blends with its stunning alpine surroundings, offering breathtaking mountain views.
Originally built as a sanatorium in the early 20th century due to its pristine air quality and natural spring water, the location has long been recognized for its healing properties.
Forestis offers elegant suites and penthouses with floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning views. The hotel boasts a top-notch spa, pools, and personalized wellness programs. Guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients in a serene setting.
Forestis Hotel is in the Plose Mountain region near Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy.
Palmschoß 22, 39042 Bressanone BZ, Italy
BARCELONA
Soho House Barcelona
While in Barcelona, we visited Soho House Barcelona and Little Beach House with a private beach.
Soho House Barcelona is a stylish private members’ club and hotel located in the vibrant Gothic Quarter, offering stunning views of the Port Vell Marina. The club features beautifully designed rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options, blending modern luxury with classic Catalan charm. It serves as a hub for creative professionals, providing an exclusive yet welcoming atmosphere with top-notch amenities and events.
BARCELONA ( Garraf)
Little Beach House Barcelona
Little Beach House Barcelona is an intimate coastal retreat by Soho House, situated in the picturesque town of Garraf, just outside Barcelona. This charming beachside venue offers a relaxed and exclusive setting with beautifully designed interiors, a private beach, and exceptional dining options. It’s the perfect escape for members seeking tranquility and a touch of luxury by the sea. You can reach it either by car (30 min) or by train (40 min) from Barcelona center.
IBIZA
Giri Cafe
One of the most authentic restaurants we visited in Ibiza, Giri Cafe, sources fresh ingredients from local, organic producers, including its own vegetable garden. Its partnerships with ethical producers on the island and mainland Spain are a crucial part of its concept.
Giri Cafe in Ibiza is a highly authentic restaurant that partners with local, ethical producers for fresh ingredients, including from its own garden. These partnerships are key to its concept.
Presentation is a key aspect of each dish. The ones we tried were artfully decorated with edible flowers, roasted nuts, truffles, fresh herbs, and colourful vegetables. We can recommend all the dishes, especially the grilled salmon with edamame cream and the herb-marinated chicken with delicious chipotle. The highlight was the avocado cheesecake, a feast not only for the taste buds but also for the eyes.
Plaza de España, 5, 07810 San Juan Bautista, Illes Balears, Spain
ITALY
LAKE GARDA
Rebecca Goddard, a PR and brand consultant based in Munich, shares one of her favorite places with us. This unique location preserves the tradition of farming while being situated near one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
Limonaia del Castel, located in Limone sul Garda, is a picturesque, historic lemon grove situated on the scenic shores of Lake Garda. Nestled on Via Orti, a short walk from the town center, this well-preserved site features traditional terraced gardens filled with fragrant lemon trees. It offers a glimpse into the area’s history and cultivation of lemons. The Limonaia also houses a small museum and informational displays, providing further insight into the techniques and importance of lemon farming. With breathtaking lake views, a fragrant atmosphere, and a quaint charm, Limonaia del Castel is a must-visit spot for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty and history of Limone sul Garda.
ITALY
Il Pellicano Hotel
In our pursuit of European-style glamour spots, we asked a friend of the house, Maximilian zu Stolberg-Stolberg.
Maximilian is sharing his all-time favorite location, a hidden gem in Tuscany: the infamous Il Pellicano hotel. He reminisces about his memories while stubbing out his cigarette in an Il Pellicano ashtray.
In 1950, American socialite Patsy Daszel and British aviator Michael Graham created a romantic hideaway, Il Pellicano, in a secret cove in Tuscany. Glamorous friends gathered to party by the azure sea and moonlight. In 1979, Roberto Sciò bought the hotel, struck by its beauty. Today, Pellicano Hotels Group, continues to uphold the Pellicano style – a blend of freewheeling spirit and tradition. With her architectural background and fine taste, gostering a contemporary creative spirit at Il Pellicano.
Il Pellicano is nestled in Porto Ercole on the Argentario Coast of Tuscany, Italy.
Address: Località Sbarcatello, 58019 Porto Ercole GR, Italy
FRANCE
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Nicholas Sauder, part of HERR OBER’s community shares his favorite hotel for a summer getaway : Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc
IN the 1920’s, Sara and Gerald Murphy, the wealthy American expatriates (”Living well is the best revenge” was their motto), made the area around Cap d’Antibes popular for affluent, artsy Americans, attracting such guests as F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda. This has not changed till date with one of the iconic hotels being the symbol of the area. Nothing has changed since then, and the glamour is represented through one iconic hotel:
The Cap Ferrat Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes, located on the stunning French Riviera, set in a large park alongside the sea offers an exquisite blend of luxury, elegance, and natural beauty. Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel boasts beautifully appointed rooms and suites, world-class dining options, and exceptional service. Its lush gardens, private beach, and expansive infinity pool create a serene and exclusive atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and indulgence.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, a favorite place of celebrities, effortlessly combines its rich history with impeccable service, make sure to visit the Dior Spa inside the Hotel.
167-165 Bd J. F. Kennedy, 06160 Antibes, France
SUISSE
Strandbar Tiefenbrunnen
In our quest for hidden gems and classics, we rely on our community’s contributions. A long-time friend of HERR OBER, Henri De Saint Mars, introduced us to a beautiful swimming spot at Zürich Lakes: Strandbar Tiefenbrunnen
nestled along the serene shores of Lake Zurich, is a beloved oasis that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With its laid-back atmosphere, sandy beach, and stunning lake views, it’s a prime spot for both relaxation and socializing. The bar offers a delightful selection of drinks, from refreshing cocktails to local brews, and the casual dining menu features delicious, uncomplicated fare. Whether you’re lounging in a deck chair, enjoying a sunset swim, or simply sipping a cold drink by the water, Strandbar Tiefenbrunnen is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Bellerivestrasse 200, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
Berlin
Boros Collection
Boros Collection is located in a 32,000-square-foot bunker from the Nazi era. The building also serves as the residence of Christian Boros, a collector of works from artists like Olafur Eliasson and Alicja Kwade. Architects Jens Casper and Petra Petersson handled the renovation of the five-story structure, which still shows bullet-hole marks from WWII on its exterior. It now contains installations from well-known artists like Ai Weiwei and Wolfgang Tillmans across 80 rooms.
The Boros Bunker in Berlin is a remarkable example of historical transformation, evolving from a wartime relic to a contemporary art treasure. Originally constructed in 1942 as an air-raid shelter for civilians during World War II, this massive concrete structure with walls up to three meters thick served as a safe haven amidst the chaos of war. After the war, the bunker went through various incarnations, including a fruit storage warehouse, a techno club, and even a fetish club, reflecting the city’s dynamic and often tumultuous history.
In 2003, Christian Boros, a passionate art collector, acquired the bunker and undertook an ambitious renovation project to convert it into a private art museum. The transformation involved creating a unique architectural dialogue between the original brutalist structure and modern design elements. The result is a captivating space where contemporary art coexists with the bunker’s stark, industrial past.
Reinhardtstraße 20, 10117 Berlin
LAS VEGAS
Bruno Mars' unique cocktail lounge, The Pinky Ring
Bruno Mars, a long-time Las Vegas performer, wanted a personal party spot in the city. He desired a place with live music and top-notch cocktails. This led him to create Pinky Ring at the Bellagio. The cocktail lounge, separate from the casino’s noise, spans a 5,000-square-foot area. It’s inspired by ’70s luxury and museum design, offering a unique, glamorous speakeasy experience.
Upon entry, guests pass through a mirrored corridor, a transition from the outside world. The main bar and lounge lead to a conversation pit with curvy banquettes and velvet armchairs. The dim lighting sets the mood for the signature cocktails like the Hooligan and the Mars Mocha. DJs play vinyl records all night. Phones are not allowed, maintaining the lounge’s exclusivity. But as they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA
CAPE TOWN
The Blue Café
The Blue Café, with a history spanning over a hundred years, is a cherished symbol of community in Tamboerskloof. Locals frequent the café not just for coffee, light meals, and deli produce, but also as a place to engage with their neighbours. Situated against Table Mountain and Victorian buildings, the café is a community hub.
The owners have initiated a wonderful project, urging local parents to let their children harvest fruits and vegetables from their gardens for sale at the café.
The café began operations between the mid-1890s and early 1900s, and has been owned by several families since. Named for the iconic blue hue of its building, The Blue Café became a local landmark under the ownership of Jeanne and Murray von Hirschberg. The café’s menu ranges from breakfast to dinner, including cakes, pastries, and deli items. All dishes are prepared from scratch, using the freshest local ingredients, often sourced from the Tamboerskloof community.
13 Brownlow Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
LONDON
THE HERMÈS SUITE
Recent hotel-fashion collaborations show that consumers want experiences more than products. Hotels are responding by designing rooms inspired by fashion designers. The Milestone Hotel in London has a suite inspired by the 19th century French designer, Hermès. The suite is spacious, decorated in rich emerald green velvet and a tall bronze four-poster bed. The walls are upholstered and adorned with framed vintage Hermès scarves. From $4000/night
1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL