From cities to quaint towns and everything in between, Provence has something for everyone. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Calanque de Sormiou in Marseille. Drive with the top down through fields of lavender in Valensole. Experience a bite of just-out-of-the-oven fougasse, a Provençal classic. Stand in awe of the beautiful, white Camargue horses native to the area. Located in the South of France, Provence is uniquely positioned to be a cultural blend of the Mediterranean. Roman landmarks still prevail from the 1st century AD alongside châteaus from medieval times-a varied legacy brightened by the indigenous mimosas and cypresses.
Perhaps since the region is well-known for its ability to inspire, it's home to a plethora of festivals such as Rencontre d'Arles, Festival d'Avignon, Festival d'Aix-en-Provence and more, all celebrating the arts. Artists who have praised the unique Provençal light include Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso. Alexandre Dumas and Jean Giono are among the writers who were drawn to write in the shade of the plane trees.
St. Tropez Soleil guide le lecteur à travers son passé et son présent en constante évolution. Avec des piliers annuels tels que Les Bravades et Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez ainsi que des événements exclusifs comme un défilé de mode Chanel au café Tropézian Sénéquier par excellence et la White Party à Nikki Beach commencée par Naomi Campbell. Mais malgré tous ces changements, l'esprit de Saint-Tropez reste le même et ce volume est une ode à la joie de vivre unique qui fait revenir tout le monde.
It has been said that Marrakech awakens all of the senses. Whether it is seeing the intricate zellige tilework; smelling the various spices sold at the souks; hearing the call to prayer emanate from the nearby mosques; touching the supple leather used to make a pair of babouches (leather sandals); tasting a flavorful tagine, Marrakech never fails to excite. Located just west of the Atlas Mountains, the city has been inhabited by Berber farmers for centuries. It has been dubbed the "Ochre City" because of the proliferation of red sandstone buildings and the red city walls, which now enclose the Medina, home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the busiest squares in Africa.
Marrakech overflows with culture and has been inspiring visitors for decades. From Yves Saint Laurent to Talitha Getty, Winston Churchill to Mick Jagger, Marrakech has attracted great icons inspired by its eternal spirit as well as its sweet, beautiful life. Yves Saint Laurent's intimate relationship to this city lead to the opening of a museum dedicated to his legendary work. The annual Marrakech International Film Festival draws a prominent crowd. Museums abound, exhibiting Moroccan arts, photography, carpets, and the Andalusian design aesthetic that permeates the city's architecture. La Mamounia hotel, opened in 1923, offers a storied history, which includes hosting guests such as Winston Churchill. Vanessa Branson's El Fenn is a collection of traditional riads that form a stunning boutique hotel. There are countless ways to be immersed in the culture of Marrakech, but perhaps the best place to start is with a simple glass of mint tea.
On the southern coast of France, there is an idyllic town that has hosted such luminary visitors as Napoléon III and Coco Chanel-yet it's also a surfer's paradise. This captivating anomaly is none other than Biarritz. Imagine breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural tapestry, and the aroma of traditional Basque cuisine lingering in the air. This holiday hot spot, perfectly poised along the Atlantic coast, is your gateway to the villages of Basque Country, treasures like Guéthary, Anglet, Bidart, and Arcangues.
Biarritz exudes an old-world charm, intimately felt on the pelota courts in town and experienced while weaving among the moored wooden fishing boats in Guéthary. Craftsmanship is a time-honored tradition in this region-valuing the handmade process of making makhilas and championing the century-old linen producers. Readers might initially come for the waves in Biarritz Basque, but they will stay for the soul.
La côte amalfitaine est le summum du rêve italien. Niché parmi les fleurs de citron et les bougainvilliers se trouve une ligne de treize villes qui composent la côte amalfitaine. Connus pour leur paysage vertical, les villages ne sont accessibles que par la Strada Statale 163 - une route étroite et sinueuse à flanc de falaise qui, bien que troublante à traverser, offre des vues incomparables. Cette bande magique rejoint les montagnes et la mer Méditerranée en contrebas et des esthètes du monde entier y affluent année après année pour profiter de ses plages de galets pittoresques, de ses randonnées pittoresques, de son climat parfait et de ses établissements légendaires, qui ne se limitent pas aux hôtels et restaurants à étages. Les monuments de la cathédrale d'Amalfi à la Villa Rufolo à Ravello, tous évoquent la culture et l'esprit des siècles passés, et les monuments appréciés par des goûts de Jacqueline Kennedy, John Steinbeck et Gore Vidal abondent. Avec son limoncello signature, à la fois cultivé et apprécié localement, les plus belles villas et des vues à couper le souffle, la côte amalfitaine est dans une classe à part.
Early in the 1900s, one-time oil baron Henry Morrison Flagler took interest in the Southern coast of Florida and began developing an exclusive resort community. Establishing a railroad that would allow easier access to the area, he went on to build two hotels-his hope was that America's first families would come to populate the area. This modest community would later evolve into an iconic American destination, hosting British royalty, American movie stars, and becoming the home-away-from-home to some of the country's leading families. As the century continued, Palm Beach established itself as a luxury hideaway synonymous with old-world glamour and new-world sophistication.
In this splendid volume, longtime resident and Palm Beach social fixture Aerin Lauder takes us through her Palm Beach. From favorite restaurants like Nandos and Renatos, to favorite houses like La Follia and Villa Artemis, she takes us to the elite shopping of Worth Avenue and the scenic walkways of the Lake Worth trail, all the while relating to us the histories, faces, and places that have become so identified with Palm Beach.
Located in the Cyclades and surrounded by the blue-green water of the Aegean sits whitewashed, windmill-strewn Mykonos, the island of the winds. This ancient island and those surrounding it, mythologized as the bodies of gods felled by Hercules in the time of antiquity, are older than legend and have played host to countless cultures for more than millennia. At forty-square-miles and boasting a population of only ten-thousand, the 'Ibiza of Greece' has become prized for gorgeous architecture, welcoming and open-minded locals, and fantastic beaches. With such names as 'Paradise' and 'Super Paradise,' the sands of these shores have captured the imaginations and hearts of industry titans, artists, and party-goers alike from all around the globe, marking it as a stable cosmopolitan destination and as a paramount it haven on the jet-set circuit.
This book chronicles the culture and society that has defined Mykonos over the past century-from its days as a hideout for such luminaries and elites as Le Corbusier and Antonis Benakis, to its moment as a sanctuary for the gay community,to its predominant party scene-all the while indulging the reader with the ruins and myths hidden there.
Capri, a resort island dating back to the height of the Roman Empire, has long been an extraordinary destination full of ancient charm. Cherished by everyone from physician Axel Munthe, who recommended its clean air to his patients as a cure for bronchitis; to film director Jean-Luc Godard as the setting for his 1963 film Contempt; to literary icons, celebrities, poets, and the jet set, Capri boasts a rich Mediterranean spirit and style that encompasses a wealth of beauty, from gardens to villas to caves to the people walking in the lively Piazzetta, where cars are prohibited and the island's playful attitude runs rampant. Capri Dolce Vita is a look at this fabled corner of the world through the ages and a celebration of paradise on earth.
With a history dating back to the fourteenth century, Mexico City blends indigenous pre-Hispanic roots with colonial architecture and Spanish-baroque influences. This unique fusion, crafted from local materials like cantera and tezontle, inspires artists and architects alike. Iconic structures like Diego Rivera's Anahuacalli Museum and Juan O'Gorman's Cave House proudly embody the city's rich history. Today, Mexico City serves as a vibrant backdrop for renowned filmmakers such as Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón, and Michel Franco. Discover a city of wonders, where history and creativity come to life.
Take a trip to New York City, with Assouline as your guide. This megalopolis is often daunting and overwhelming, but New York Chic, seen through the warm lens of Oliver Pilcher, presents a more intimate view of the city, beyond the stereotypes. Everyday moments with the people of New York City, as they want to present themselves, illustrate the city's true genius loci. This book assembles a visual definition of New York chic, and features New York icons, up-and-coming creatives and spaces that are uniquely New York.
Fashion designer Zaldy Goco gives a tour of his creative space in the Financial District. The late artist Françoise Gilot opens the doors to her Upper West Side apartment. Nightlife impresario Omar Hernandez shares an unforgettable night at La Goulue. José Parla walks readers through his Brooklyn studio. Photographer Oliver Pilcher took to the streets of New York over the course of several months to capture the essence of New York City. Artists, writers, designers, chefs and others who have decided to call New York home share their thoughts about the beautiful metropolis. New York Chic immerses you in the colorful, lively and sometimes contradictory aesthetics of this city of dreams and possibilities.
The Turkish Riviera, known as the Turquoise Coast, is home to stunning mountain scenery, rich myths, and folklore, and more than six hundred miles of impeccable shoreline along the warm Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Featuring two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the ruins of the Mausoleum of Maussollos and the Temple of Artemis, this stretch of coast is a destination apart, so much so that Mark Antony was said to have chosen it as the most spectacular wedding gift for Cleopatra. Through the lens of Oliver Pilcher, this blue voyage beckons readers with wanderlust to set sail and enjoy the dazzling sapphire shades of the coast's dreamy yacht life. Anecdotes from lovers of the region include Mica Ertegun, Tommy Hilfiger, Chiara Ferragni, and Mert Alas, who spent summers boating on these storied waters.
If the sands of St. Barths could talk, they would speak of historic legends, wild evenings, and celebrity guests. Equal parts luxury and simplicity, St. Barths is a haven for all of life's pleasures. From sail boats to super yachts, Gustavia harbor is beating heart of the island, welcoming international visitors to the unmatched paradise. If traveling by air, the adrenaline-pumping landing is just a taste of the excitement to come in St. Barths. An extravagant atmosphere awaits, bolstered by the wealthy, recreation-seeking visitors, who often host can't-miss New Year's Eve parties and fabled events.
Whether enjoying a casual lunch at Le Select or indulging in a meal at Cheval Blanc St- Barth Isle de France's La Cabane, St. Barths is a culinary treasure trove. Through the pages of St. Barths Freedom, experience a stay at the Eden Rock, lounge at Le Toiny's Beach Club, and party in the Caribbean with the jet set-it will be impossible to leave!
Explore the enchanting island of Sicily, known for its rich history, passion, and cultural diversity. From ancient legends to modern films, Sicily's influence is palpable and deeply ingrained in its past and present. Discover the authentic charm and luxury amenities of Villa Sant'Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo, two properties located in Taormina with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Grand Hotel Timeo boasts a prime location near an ancient Greek theater and the extraordinary Mount Etna.
As a melting pot of cultures, Sicily's architecture, cuisine, and traditions reflect its location at the heart of the Mediterranean. With a history of foreign occupations and rule, the island boasts an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, European, and African influences. Sicilian cuisine is a perfect example of this cultural fusion, with each dish telling a unique story or legend.
Escape the everyday and experience the romance of this unique island through the pages of Sicily Honor. This book captures the essence of Sicily's multi-culturalism and mythic tales, offering readers a glimpse into its past and present. Discover why Sicily evokes such powerful feelings of passion, intrigue, and pride and why it remains a must-visit destination for travelers.
A hub for barefoot bohemians and glamorous goddesses, Tulum is a Mayan hideaway that perfectly distills the gypset lifestyle. An off-grid escape for nomadic creatives, it is a playground for spirituality and community. This tiny, idyllic eight-mile strip of sand on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is tucked between a tropical jungle, Mayan ruins, and the Sian Ka'an biosphere: It's a heady vortex. Tulum's isolated and breathtakingly beautiful environment also makes it the perfect place for those craving a deeper connection with themselves, others, and nature. Seekers (sun, spiritual, and otherwise) pilgrimage to this beach settlement in droves to join this avant-garde template for a new bohemian lifestyle that prioritizes healing, eco-friendly practices and organic cuisine. The boho-chic crowd's home away from home, Tulum is a rare and successful modern experiment in both consciousness and sophistication, bolstered by its down-to-earth hotels, mesmerizing cenotes, and lush backdrop.
A sense of calm permeates the city of Kyoto, situated in the western heart of the island of Honshu, in the Kansai region. From gardens to temples, from cherry blossom trees to wooden architecture, the natural beauty of Kyoto is always showcased. This tranquil identity is also reflected in the simplified approach to cuisine, which champions the pure flavor of top-quality ingredients.
The lively spirit of Kyoto is best experienced during Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's largest festivals. The parades of elaborate floats, called yamaboko, are art exhibitions in motion, presenting the exquisite local craftwork. This same attention to detail can be seen in the Japanese approach to architecture and interior design. Where Kyoto's festivals are colorful and over the top, the ubiquitous design aesthetic is more restrained and simplified, allowing the quality of the materials to speak for themselves and offering a respite from buzzing life in the city.
Through the pages of Kyoto Serenity, Japanese culture is on full display, exploring timehonored traditions such as geishas, tea ceremonies, and flower.
A delicate blend of old and new, Jaipur is a vibrant city full of energy, color and grandeur. With a history of maharajas, emperors and queens, the capital of the Rajasthan state has a prestigious heritage and an esteem that continues to this day. The City Palace, a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards, is a testament to Jaipur's magnificence and still acts as the home of the former royal family. The impressive and intricate Hawa Mahal, composed of pink and orange sandstone, helps lend Jaipur its nickname, "the Pink City."
But Jaipur is more than just splendid palaces and enchanting jewels. The bustling bazaars, traditional handmade crafts and delicious street food truly embody the city's dynamic spirit. Jaipur is at its most lively during the annual celebration of Holi, an ebullient "festival of colors" that heralds eternal love and the arrival of spring. Jaipur Splendor is a dazzling tour of this one-of-a-kind city.
From roaring nightlife to peaceful yoga retreats, Ibiza's hippie-chic atmosphere is its hallmark. This quintessential Mediterranean hot spot has served as an escape for artists, creatives, and musicians alike for decades. It is a place to reinvent oneself, to walk the fine line between civilization and wilderness, and to discover bliss. Ibiza Bohemia explores the island's scenic Balearic cliffs, its legendary cast of characters, and the archetypal interiors that define its signature style.
A treasure trove of glitz and glamour awaits on an exclusive two-mile coastline alongt he Mediterranean Sea. High-rollers, professional athletes and international stars flock to Monaco in droves. Although packed with flashy sports cars, luxury apartments, super-yachts and unlimited entertainment, this rocky promontory does not lack for culture and history. The sovereign family ensures that the principality's distinguished heritage is preserved and appreciated. And its over-the-top opulence is merely equal to its charm. The newly designed Foster + Partners Yacht Club de Monaco stands in stark contrast to the monumental baroque building housing the Musée Océanographique de Monaco. The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, which showcases the latest in contemporary art, isa complete 180 compared to the Prince's Palace of Monaco, which dates to the twelfth century. Yet it all exists harmoniously within two hundred hectares of land.
The list of Monaco regulars reads like the guest list to the ultimate private party: Charles Leclerc, Grace Kelly, Sir Roger Moore, Tyra Banks, Frank Sinatra, Rudolf Nureyev, Bjorn Borg and Ringo Starr, to name a few. Whether enticed by the top-tier competitions (Monaco Grand Prix, Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters), can't-miss events (Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Monaco National Day), iconic Société des Bains de Mer properties (Monte Carlo Casino, Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo, Monte-Carlo Beach) or Michelin-star restaurants (LeLouis XV, Rampoldi, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo), the world's celebrities continue to return again and again. With exclusive images from the palace archives and a foreword by Prince Albert II of Monaco, Monte Carlo offers readers a front-row seat with VIP access to the jewel of the French Riviera.
Discover the rich culture and stunning aesthetics of Egypt's vibrant capital, from the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza to the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar. Cairo Eternal is the first Egyptian destination in the Travel Series and showcases a unique culture and its one-of-a-kind aesthetic. This book takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city, showcasing its deep cultural roots and modern touches.
Experience the vibrant energy of Cairo's streets, complemented by a serene sunset ride down the Nile on a traditional felucca. With stunning photography and engaging storytelling, Cairo Eternal captures the essence of this dynamic city, where tradition meets modernity.
Budapest, the vibrant capital of Hungary, is a city of enchanting contrasts. In the western part of the city, Buda, landmarks like Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, and Matthias Church stand as testaments to its rich history, while the Pest side boasts modern icons like the House of Parliament, the Opera House, and Heroes' Square. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge gracefully spans the Danube, linking the two halves of the city. Beyond its storied past, Budapest pulsates with a dynamic present, epitomized by cultural fusion and creative fervor. Artists, filmmakers, and innovators thrive here, blending nostalgia with a forward-looking energy. Budapest Gem, featuring original photography by Oliver Pilcher, captures the city's essence, inspiring readers with its timeless allure.
One doesn't come to Bangkok for calm. Nor does one come for ultimate luxury experiences. Bangkok is a city for the explorer. Those looking for a contagious energy. Those looking to feel alive. The capital of Thailand is electric chaos, from the animated street-food vendors to traffic jams galore. The only balance for Bangkok's vibrant character is found in its spiritual dimension. Intricate Buddhist temples and monasteries offer momentary respite. Then it's back to the buzz of the city life.
Bangkok is a place of abundance. Abundant in religious institutions, abundant in delicacies offered at the food markets, and abundant in places for an unforgettable night on the town. With Thailand's first skate company (Preduce Skateboards), Princess Sirivannavari's eponymous fashion label, and an avant-garde collaboration between Chef Gaggan Anand and Louis Vuitton, Bangkok is clearly abundant in its creative output as well. An intimate story of exploration recounted by author Simon Liberati is accompanied by dynamic images-several of which have been provided by local photographers-to present an invigorating portrait of Bangkok.
Sometimes compared to the Saint-Tropez of Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s, Comporta, with its relaxed pace and artistic community, is the ideal destination for those looking to wander off course. It's the newfound favorite of personalities such as Jacques Grange, Farida Khelfa, François Dumas, the Espirito Santo family, and Madonna, who shares photographs of taking her kids to the beach and horseback riding in the dunes of nearby Carvalhal on weekends. This fishing village boasts swaths of beaches, patchworks of rice paddies, and an ecosystem filled with storks and frogs, all a serene backdrop for the striking homes found there: rustic cabanas and thatched-roof huts reflecting the carefree lifestyle that has become Comporta's hallmark. This distinctive setting challenges the minds of architects and designers, yielding unique spaces that delightfully blur the line between interior and exterior. Within these pages, the region's characteristic cobalt blue is reflected from the sky and sea to the walls, shutters, and design pieces that adorn its homes, both picturesque and bold. Discover the beauty and joy of simplicity with Comporta Bliss.
In Northern Italy, bordered by the Alps, lies one of the most coveted yet surprisingly unassuming vacation destinations in the world. Taking the shape of an inverted Y, Lake Como features a sumptuous trail of picturesque towns along its shores, its two arms- Como to the west, Lecco to the east-meeting in the town of Bellagio.
In the early mornings, an eerie mist-perhaps the source of Lake Como's alluring old- fashioned mystique-hangs suspended over the lake's surface. As the sun rises, the magnificent gardens of Villa d'Este, Passalacqua and Villa del Balbianello come to life, the fragrant greenery of cypress and oak trees tickling the senses, as if you've stepped into the pages of Italy's most famous novel, Alessandro Manzoni's The Betrothed (1827), set in Lake Como. After a day spent enjoying scenic walks, lazing lakeside on the floating swimming pool at the Mandarin Oriental or relishing in the rich traditions reminiscent of times past, perhaps you'll be whisked away across the glittering lake in a luxurious Riva boat, destined to cross paths with local villa owner George Clooney. In Lake Como Idyll, a magical Italian getaway awaits, complete with romantic intrigue, bucolic escapes and enchanting landscapes.
Dubai Wonder tours readers through this storied city and its cultural diversity and distinct neighborhoods,
including Deira, home to the Khor Dubai, a creek that Dubai's economy relied on for several decades for
pearl diving and fishing; Al Quoz, the cultural heart of the city; the Dubai International Financial Centre and
Jumeirah, a largely residential district featuring the emirate's notable resorts along its coast.
Other stops on the tour include Dubai's burgeoning art scene, the Art Dubai fair and Alserkal Avenue, a cluster
of warehouses containing art galleries.
Dubai Wonder also takes readers inside the highly anticipated Expo
2020 Dubai, opening in October 2021 and already heralded as the grandest world fair in history. A hub of
innovation and firsts, Dubai represents a vision for the future, where anything is possible, as each page of this
awe-inspiring addition to Assouline's Travel Series demonstrates.
