Thoughts on Summer | Travel Edition Part I
The neighborhood seems extra quiet this year. I probably said that last year too... but everyone was in travel mode post-pandemic. Some people traveled in 2021 and 2022 -- but EVERYONE traveled in 2023 or so it felt.
Sicily, Mexico City, Majorca–making up for lost time.
Every now and again, our regulars will reach out and let us know they didn’t forget about us. We’re “out east till September” or “heading to Italy–do you have any recommendations?” is more common than you’d think. While I’m working with my buddy Jon on a website dedicated to City Guides & restaurant/travel recommendations – I figured I’d give y'all a late summer travel edition for some last minute inspiration.
For this newsletter I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite places to stay. Usually where I’m sleeping is the last thing I think about when I travel (enter: hotels tonight!). On the best nights I’m sleeping on a beach or on a hammock at Guy’s Bar. Though now, I’m probably too old for those nights – there’s great joy in not staying at the place you paid for: letting go and seeing where the night takes ya.
I agree with my friend Garrett when he said his most memorable travels never revolve around a fancy hotel or resort. But just like restaurants–hotels have a great opportunity to restore us. Plus, every now and again it's always nice to treat yourself. For me it's all about positioning. What’s the purpose of the trip? If you need a few days in Mexico to rejuvenate yourself or travel on business – go big, why not. If you need to stretch your travel budget then your accommodations could be the difference between 2 or 3 vacations.
A few years ago, I was adamantly against staying at hotels & fancy resorts. I thought it was a waste of money. Why spend money on a place you won’t be spending any time in? If I was traveling–I was exploring life outside the resort walls because that's where the culture was. Maybe I’m just getting older and I appreciate the details more: the hammam styled shower, the Egyptian Cotton sheets, the infinity pool with underwater music, the local breakfast, the hand cut soap, or the fact that three different concierges are waiting for my text should there be anything that I'm lacking. I keep an open mind and believe there’s a time & place for all accommodations.
I’ve slept everywhere: from a prison-like cell in Osaka, a stranger’s couch in Laguna Beach, teahouses in Nepal, casa particulares in Cuba, many hostels, and the list goes on. Hostels got a bad rap from the movie; but are great for meeting travelers to explore with, so these were important to those backpacking days. Guesthouses are fantastic for living local whether it's sharing a meal at someone’s home or getting local recommendations. Every once in a while I look towards AirBnBs if its group travel, so we can be together and not have to get separate hotel rooms. I’m not entirely sure; but I’ve also stayed at some amazing properties that were part of AirBnBs luxury branch or VRBO, thanks to Ralph.
But yes, my most memorable stays don’t revolve around how many pools or the “priceless” art work in the lobby: It's about the people associated with the accommodations. It’s the moments of genuine hospitality that drive the experience. The Kiwi that cooked us dinner at their home, a bartender who introduced us to a local spirit, a concierge that warmed up my ski boots, or the many big & small gestures that really set these experiences apart. I believe our mission is similar if not the same: make our guests' day better. It’s as simple and as challenging as that.
My Top Hotel Stays
1-Monaci Terre Nere (Sicily)
2-Naia (Belize)
3-Banyan Tree (Mayakoba)
4-Viceroy (Riviera Maya)
5-The W Vieques (Puerto Rico)
6-The One (South Beach)
7-Hotel Dewachen (Bhutan)
8-Casadonna (Abruzzo)
9-Hotel Esencia (Xpu Há)
10-Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)
Top Non-Hotel Stays
1-Ricardo Arguiz’s Casa Particular in Santa Clara
2-The Beach House in Turks & Caicos
3-Villa San Lorenzo in Piemonte
4-Julie’s Holiday Home in Seychelles
5-Tent in Kruger National park
6-Julian’s House in Beijing
7-Baan Arlhan Guesthouse in Chiang Mai
8-”Couch Surfing” at Scotts in Laguna Beach
9- On the vineyard in Oakville
10- Maria & Rob’s Guesthouse in Napa.
Industry Friends
I asked a bunch of restaurant friends since hospitality runs through their veins and there’s parallels across industries! My buddy Chase (Penny/Claud) loves staycations in NYC and he thinks The Carlyle is magic. He did mention Eden Roc and Cap Estel are unbelievable with a nod to Maison Pic if you wanted to go Michelin-star hunting in France. Elena, who runs The Lineup, also had a vote for The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes.
Annie (King/Jupiter) loved Ventana in the Big Sur & Golden Eye in Jamaica; but admits her love for Italian hospitality so threw in Locarno in Rome and Planeta in Sicily. Liz from Frankly Wines & Della's agreed that Italians do it better: naming Baglio Soria or San Corrado di Noto at the top of her list. Hallie from Caffe Panna adds Fasano in Lake Garda to the list while food photographer, Teddy Wolff, takes us to Southern Italy to Il Convento in Puglia. Jeff (wine writer & consultant) said Casa di Langa is tops; but thinks his most memorable stay was aboard the Silver Sea Cruise going to Alaska.
Popina Regs
Tim & Maureen said it was hard to leave the hotel: Hoshinoya in Tokyo
Jon & Nancy gave both The Edition in Miami Beach & The 1 Hotel in Kauai an A+ for being the complete package.
Paul & Jen shared some stories about above & beyond hospitality at One Aldwych in London & Park Hyatt in Zurich
Tim & Christine reminisced about their travel life before the kids listing these as standouts:
Ett Hem - Stockholm
Capella Lodge - Lord Howe Island
Pumphouse Point - Tasmania
Awasi - Patagonia
Monteverdi - Tuscany
Mombo Camp - Botswana
Kristen & Josh didn't hesitate citing Cómo Maalifushi in the Maldives as their favorite.
Abby & Ryan can't wait to return to Casa Mae in Lagos, Portugal
Lena and Daniel gushed about Belmond Maroma in Mexico; but also mentioned Mezzatorre in Ischia, IT or Park Hyatt, Tokyo
Dan & Suzanne & Ralph & Janet all agreed Four Seasons Resort Lanai took the #1 spot.
Greg, our landlord, loved Jade Mountain in St Lucia
David & Tommy both agree Dar Ahlam in Morocco was a standout when it comes to hospitality; but David also adds Wharehauhau Country Estate in New Zealand and Six Senses, Douro Valley to the mix while Tommy still thinks about Minaret Station Lodge, New Zealand & Triple Creek Ranch in Montana.
Stay tuned for Popina Travel PT II where we ask some travel pros some questions & get some tips for our next getaway.
Big thanks to Vicki Denig & Mary Holland for the constant inspiration!
-J