It doesn’t seem to matter whether I am planning a family beach vacation or a trip abroad – I always find myself at the intersection of design and history. I build entire travel itineraries around hotels and restaurants, which, beyond superior service and food, offer a unique design perspective and are oozing with history.
Whether it was great design, dreamy mattresses, fabulous meals, or simply how the locals made us feel, some places leave an imprint on us. Here are a few of my faves.
BEFORE BAREFOOT LUXURY: THE LANDING HOTEL & HARBOUR ISLAND
Born on remote beaches, private islands, and off-the-beaten-path retreats, barefoot luxury is all about upscale comfort in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Instead of formal dress codes and stuffy service, it invites you to kick off your shoes, feel the ocean breeze, and enjoy luxury on your own terms.
Long before this concept really caught on globally, there was The Landing Hotel. Co-founded by designer India Hicks, this tiny hotel has always managed to combine comfort and style in a way that is sophisticated yet laid-back. The epitome of effortlessly chic.
Comprised of two colonial cottages, the hotel celebrates English heritage charm mixed with classic Caribbean touches. The colour palette is a serene blend of whites and dark woods. Think crisp cotton and luxurious linen. The overall effect – a timeless, and approachable style that feels comfortable, rather than stuffy or overdone.
The Landing Hotel is not splashy. It sits quietly on a speck of an island in the crystalline waters of the Bahamas. In fact, Harbour Island is so small that golf carts are the main mode of transportation. The picturesque island is known for its pastel coloured 18th-century architecture along with powdery pink beaches, formed by crushed coral.
This is not the Bahamas you automatically think of – it’s definitely not Nassau, with its cruise ships and bustling Atlantis. And it’s way out there – Harbour Island is just one of the breathtaking Bahamian “Out Islands” which a lot of people don’t even realize exist. These remote islands are less-populated and less-developed, offering pristine, secluded beaches, untouched ecosystems, and a distinct, slower-paced, and more traditional culture than New Providence (Nassau).
Now let’s go way back. To my honeymoon – the first time we visited Harbour Island and The Landing. Back to those halcyon days and the pre-dinner drinks at the bar. We may or may not have had one too many Goombay Smashes.
Get the recipe here.
The restaurant is excellent – blending great service with an unassuming, comfortable vibe. Hands down the best lobster we’ve ever had. Head next door to the hotel’s boutique, The Sugar Mill. Filled with trinkets, bikinis, and beach inspired treasures, it is not to be missed.
Over the years, I have noticed the island has become considerably busier, but it certainly hasn’t lost its charm. It is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a polished yet unpretentious environment.
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MAIN STREET MAXIMALISM: THE MAKER HOTEL, HUDSON NY
Welcome to Hudson, N.Y. – the little town that could. Just 3 hours from Manhattan, this once sleepy little village has transformed itself into the jewel of the Hudson River Valley. Originally a gritty 18th century whaling port, it morphed into a 20th-century industrial hub, but then experienced a major economic decline over the decades to come.
In the 1980’s, it became a haven for antiques and vintage, so those “in the know” would venture North from Manhattan seeking their next treasure. The last 20 years have seen Hudson’s largest gentrification. The main drag, when I first started visiting, was pretty rough (besides the great antiques shops and one cool retro diner).
Warren Street is barely recognizable now. The incredible architecture remains, thankfully. But the once empty buildings now house luxe boutiques and excellent farm-to-table dining spots. The Hudson Valley is known for organic farming, along with the Culinary Institute of America, which turns out some of the best talent in the country.
Warren Street is also home to The Maker Hotel – a maximalist dream. Opened in 2020, the hotel is spread across three restored historic buildings: a Georgian mansion, a Greek Revival building, and a Carriage House. The hotel is a tribute to the creative professionals—the “makers” (artisans, artists, and builders) who restored the buildings and made many of the custom pieces for the hotel, like the incredible light fixtures.
The epitome of dark and moody, the Maker is all about chocolatey wood tones, vintage mosaic tile, and layers of plush textiles. Velvety drapes and repurposed antique furniture sit against a backdrop of bespoke wallpapers.
Did I mention that the hotel smells fabulous? They have developed their own candles and fragrances, which are divine. I used to carry their line at my boutique. You can buy them at Sephora now!
Check it out here.
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MOODY AND MYSTERIOUS: THE COLUMNS HOTEL, NEW ORLEANS
Oh…New Orleans, you never disappoint! I recently visited The Big Easy after many years, and to my delight, it remains as magical as ever. And the locals were as lovely as I remembered them to be. There is nothing like Southern hospitality.
Previously, I have stayed in the French Quarter, so this time around I decided to book a spot in the upscale leafy green enclave, The Garden District. This historic 19th century neighbourhood is renowned for its stunning antebellum architecture, lush gardens, and oak-lined streets. Although it is central, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the wonderfully touristy French Quarter.
I have wanted to stay at The Columns Hotel for years. Built in 1883, The Columns is an enormous Italianate-style mansion which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its white exterior, while imposing, doesn’t quite prepare you for what is waiting inside.
Upon entering, the dimly lit space engulfs you at once. I was immediately taken aback by the scale. The ceilings look to be 16 feet high. The plaster crown mouldings and baseboards must be 2 feet high (each) alone!
As I approached the reception desk at the end of the cavernous front hall, I could hardly believe my eyes at the size of the cantilevered staircase winding its way up through the heart of the building. I next admired the old plaster walls, patchily painted in a mossy green, which were giving some serious “old crumbling mansion” vibes. Gazing up, I spotted a few brooding oil portraits surveilling the area.
After I was handed an old school room key attached to a giant burgundy tassel, I took a rickety ride in the original elevator way up to the top floor – my floor, a.k.a the attic. Oh good. Just me and the ghosts now, I mused, as I rolled my bag down a long dark hall, and then another long dark hall.
New Orleans is known for their libations, so the next order of business was to belly up to the bar. I sipped on a lavender-laced whiskey sour and soaked up the heady atmosphere. Ancient crystal chandeliers suspended from ornate plaster medallions. Ceilings embellished with intricate millwork designs. Towering walls papered in trailing botanicals, accented by more vintage oil portraits and a mounted deer head, here and there..
I couldn’t help but wonder what it was like back in the day…to actually live in such a place. Skirts swishing on the wide pine planks. Pausing on the staircase at the gigantic carved newel post. “If these walls could talk…” never gets tired.
Well, I didn’t end up meeting any ghosts in the attic during my visit; however, the mansion is reportedly haunted, with guests and staff reporting sightings of a white lady in the ballroom and a gentleman on the staircase. I wouldn’t necessarily say “Hey, you should go there for the ghosts”, but it is certainly worth visiting just to marvel at the architecture!
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Parting thoughts…
When something good happens, travel to celebrate.
If something bad happens, travel to forget it.
If nothing happens, travel to make something happen.
Hope you enjoyed….see you next month!
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