Wanderlogue

Charming, Sophisticated, Sharp, and Stylish – Four epithets that describe the first-class, jetsetter man, but also The Hotel de Charme Les Airelles in Courchevel, France. Nestled within the snow-capped mountains of the French Alps, and located in the heart of the “Le Jardin Alpin,” this five-star luxury property guarantees the ultimate ski trip for the man who has everything.

Hotel de Charme offers world-class skiing and famed venues to dine and imbibe with style. Its state-of-the-art Cellcosmet Spa is ideal for pampering after a full day of hitting the slopes, adding to the world-class experience. Plus, the hotel’s spa offers revitalizing and relaxing treatments designed exclusively for men. All the essentials for a Bond-like winter adventure (minus the villains)!

Energize - Located in the heart of Le Jardin Alpin, Les Airelles offers guests access to the largest skiing area in the world, Les Trois Vallees. With more than 150 ski lifts and 120 km dedicated to cross-country skiing, skiers have plenty of space to show off their skills. At Les Airelles, guests can effortlessly ski in and ski out of the resort with their own personal ski valet.

Indulge - Those looking to warm up can head to Les Airelles’ numerous restaurants and bars and indulge in an après ski with the finest liquors and the best “Puros” Havana cigars. Foodies can dine in the famed two Michelin star restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire for Les Airelles, serving craft-fully inventive dishes celebrating the rich gastronomical history of the Alpine Rhone.

Relax - At the Cellcosmet Spa, men can enjoy three unique revitalizing, relaxing, and firming treatments using the Cellmen SPA Professional™ range, formulated specifically for men. Treatments include the Swiss Executive Deluxe Anti-Age CellFacial to boost skin’s youthfulness, the Swiss Deluxe Ultrasonic Revival for a lifting effect and the Swiss AdboSculpt, specifically created to re-sculpt and redraw the abdominal area.

For more information and reservations please call +33 (0) 4 79 00 38 38, or visit www.airelles.fr

ANDREW COSGROVE

MARIA DELIS

Hotel Spotlight: MYSTIQUE

Shop L-atitude: Spring Preview of Global Designers

When’s the last time you were in Kenya? What about Mumbai? Supporting local designers is important (and NYC has some great ones!), but what about the designers that build their collections with an entirely different perspective on culture and fashion that may be out of reach simply because they’re an ocean away? If you have a passion for travel but have a hard time escaping the city, check out L-atitude.

L-atitude is a website that marries fashion and travel, giving readers a chance to purchase pieces from the world’s best designers, from some of its most stylish cities, without ever leaving the apartment. This provides amazing exposure for a designer in Tulum who may be an unknown to the average NYC fashionista - thankfully L-atitude is here to bridge the gap.

I was lucky enough to drop in the on the L-atitude spring presentation preview in West Chelsea last week and get the latest exclusive on their newest spring features from around the globe.

Held in West Chelsea at the ever-so-chic Hotel Americano, this preview was a feast for the senses. Stepping off the elevator, visitors were greeted with a diverse display of colors and fabrics that could only be described as luxurious and exotic. Mannequins lounged by the pool, draped in richly colored sarongs from Mexico and jewelry from Nairobi. Tables were strewn with carefully handcrafted bracelets and bags from India and Malaysia, each piece specially selected by the L-atitude team as a reflection of cultural expression, and tailored to the theme of the impending season. Aesthetically arresting bright colors helped to set the tone for warmer months. Bundled in scarves and heavy coats, it wasn’t hard for this crowd to let go and mentally escape the frigid New York winter on the La Piscine roof deck surrounded by delicate spring ensembles.

As an essential way of bridging the divide between culture and fashion, and bringing exposure to some of the world’s best designers, we’re glad L-atitude is on our radar. When all was said and done, the reminder of spring was enough to make this New York girl want to hop on a plane and ride out the winter in Bali.

EMILY CODY

Melbourne, Oh My!

Rediscovering Melbourne after an absence of 16 years has proven a remarkable revelation. Apart from the main thoroughfares, I seriously can’t recognize it. From the swish cafes and restaurants in newly-extended Southgate, which runs along the banks of the city’s Yarra River, to graffitied laneways, dockyards-turned-dining-haunts and the hidden rooftop bars that have sprung up in the past year or so, this city has earned its cosmopolitan stripes.

If you’re planning a trip to the city dubbed the world’s most liveable two years straight, pick up a copy of the gorgeously-illustrated hardcover book Flavours of Melbourne, in which you’ll find the hippest eateries and terrace-top hangouts. I spotted the coffee table topper at independent bookstore Readings in the State Library of Victoria. Food writer Jonette George and her daughter Danie Wilton profile a fab selection of wining and dining destinations, including cocktail specialist Madame Brussels (read about the woman behind the name), whose upper terrace one can hire out for a 45-guest garden party with a view of grand old theatres and church spires. The book is laced with fun little stories about the history of these places, where they serve clandestine concoctions not on the bar menu and delish-sounding recipes.

Don’t leave Melbourne without paying a visit to Lygon Street, the city’s own Little Italy, and specifically the authentic Roman pasticceria Brunetti for their delectable Italian sweets (some of which you’ll have a hard time finding in Rome these days!). There’s now even a Brunetti in Dubai.

Speaking of the State Library, if you’ve had quite enough of the urban hustle and bustle, this Melbourne heritage landmark is the perfect inner-city escape. Take a seat at one of the wooden desks in the octagonal, six-story La Trobe Reading Room and pick out a classic literary representative of Australiana. Sit back underneath the impressive dome, which bathes the enormous space with natural light, and enjoy the peace, quiet and musky aroma of old, leatherbound books.

HELEN IATROU

greciansublime:

HYDRA island, Kriezis Mansion: perhaps one of the best places to discover the unique Hydra island atmosphere, without compromising a sophisticated stay. Kriezis Mansion is a 18th-century, masterfully restored mansion with a pool and private walled gardens. It offers full privacy without obstructing the breathtaking, 360-degree sea and island vistas. The mansion straddles the Kamini hillside of the historical and cosmopolitan town of Hydra, and is a 20min walk from the main port up the charming polished town alleyways.

It boasts 5 elegant double bedrooms and one twin, all with their own marble finished bathrooms. Rates stay the same regardless of the amount of guests and also include: a house-keeper six mornings a week; a shopping ordering service before your arrival; and a donkey pick up for our bags at the port! The rates do not include the air-con or the central heating in the winter months. A private chef and child-care is also available on request. 

Come February, everything takes on a rosy-pink hue for Valentine’s Day, so it’s time to give in and embrace the season. This year forgo the classic chocolates and flowers, give that special someone a gift they’ll remember – the epitome of romance, a getaway to Pink Sands Resort in Harbour Island, The Bahamas.

Consistently ranked as one of the most romantic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Pink Sands is the place where couples jet set. Here, the only pink you’ll see is the famous three-mile stretch of pink sand beaches. The 25-pastel cottages, designed by Biba founder Barbara Hulanicki, mix Indian, Moroccan and Balinese elements into the perfect pairing of elegance and understated luxury.

Pink Sands offers something for every type of couple: Cooking classes with new Chef Ed Boncich (a Bobby Flay alum), scuba diving, snorkeling or fishing, and for those just seeking rest and relaxation, secluded beach spots overlooking the picturesque Caribbean Sea.

Rates start at $600.00 USD for a one-bedroom Garden Cottage accommodation. For reservations call +1 800 407-4776 or email info@pinksandsresort.com , and for more information visit www.pinksandsresort.com.

ANDREW COSGROVE