From a lush-green summer terrace at Cheval Blanc Paris and newly opened Warner Bros. theme park in Japan to COMO space camps on tropical islands and practically everything in between, here’s our take on what this summer could be like
As we look forward to yet another summer of rebound, bringing some areas of the world closer to pre-pandemic numbers and others surpassing, here’s our list of some summer ideas.
URBAN EDEN
Clients heading to the City of Light this summer? You may want to recommend a pitstop at Le Jardin, the lush-green haven on the seventh-floor terrace of Cheval Blanc Paris. Overlooking the Seine with breath-taking views of the Notre-Dame-de-Paris, Eiffel Tower and Sacre-Cœur, this 650 sqm sky garden offers delicious treats. And as with anything with the name Cheval Blanc, you can expect chic, custom-made decor designed to celebrate refinement and the French art de vivre. Pineapple, Black Krim, Olivette, Roma... heirloom tomato varieties of exceptional quality – sourced from southwestern France – take pride of place on the menu alongside strawberries under the direction of Executive Chef William Bequin, working in tandem with Arnaud Donckele.
FOUND IN SPACE
Young explorers visiting select COMO Hotels and Resorts over July and August can take part in complimentary Space Summer Camps, led by NASA and Citizen astronauts. Available at COMO’s Thailand, Bali and the Maldives properties, the camps will provide aspiring young astronauts with the opportunity to discover a host of activities that promise adventure whilst educating them about the universe at the same time. Two resident astronauts will be hosting a series of Space Camps – an immersive star-gazing adventure appealing, no doubt, to both parents and children. Kids from ages 8 to 16 will learn about space through art, food and movement with veteran NASA astronaut Nicole Stott and Citizen astronaut Sara Sabry.
VILLA CAN DO IT
Mallorca’s latest luxury villa product by specialist Purple Summer is ideal for groups of friends and multi-generational families alike. Villa Can Totxa in Mallorca presents the breath-taking Pollenca residence, which sleeps up to eight in four en-suite bedrooms and has just opened doors this May. The villa comes complete with Purple Summer’s signature private-chef gastronomic experience and a concierge who can arrange everything from childcare and spa treatments to hot air balloon rides and in-villa cookery classes. The sprawling villa includes a 16m swimming pool, an all-weather tennis court, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and a fully-equipped playroom for those traveling with little ones. Pollença’s thriving restaurant, nightlife, and shopping scene is just moments away, while the surrounding countryside offers an abundance of both relaxing and exhilarating activities for all ages.
PROVOCATEURS WELCOME
The spanking-new Mondrian Singapore Duxton has opened in style with a short movie welcoming ‘provocateurs’ to the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown. The property aims to offer a fresh new face of hospitality in the Lion City and become a sanctuary for artists, dreamers and mavericks. The property is ideal for ‘groovers and shakers, confronters and disrupters who are shaking things up and turning Mondrian and the Duxton Hill neighbourhood into the place to be’. Says the General Manager and provocateur-in-chief Robert C.Hauck: “I hope you enjoy this little taste of what we are about. We are on a mission to shake things up with a fresh and unexpected approach. It’s a paradigm shift. I hope you’ll come along for the ride.”
WARNER BROS TOKYO
In a beeline to Japan this summer? Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, a brand-new attraction offering fans the chance to step behind-the-scenes of the spellbinding films and discover secrets of the Wizarding World, opened last month. Built on the grounds of an abandoned theme park – Toshimaen, which closed down during the pandemic, this is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the first Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia.
TIME FOR PORTO
Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio 31 extraordinary hotel brands, has debuted in Portugal with the opening of Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel. Located in charming Lapa, one of the most historic, vibrant neighbourhoods in Porto, the new hotel offers spontaneous explorers a sleek, sophisticated urban hideaway moments away from the iconic Lapa Church and other city landmarks, such as Casa da Musica and Clerigos Tower. Perched on the Lapa’s hills, the hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Drawing inspiration from this beloved city, local architecture firm Visioarq Arquitectos and interior designers of Broadway Malyan were commissioned to create Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel as an ‘Art House in The Park’.
NO SCREENS PLEASE
Finland introduces the world’s first phone-free tourist island with visitors to Ulko-Tammio encouraged to stay offline this summer. Those travelling to the island of Ulko-Tammio located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, will be asked to keep their phones in their pockets. The aim is to encourage holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices, take a break from social media and enjoy nature. Participation in digital fasting is voluntary, and the island is covered by a functioning mobile network. The Eastern Gulf of Finland boasts plenty of beautiful islands awaiting explorers. Rugged islands, lush swimming spots and charming coastal villages are all characterised by nature, peace and the Baltic Sea. Located far from the mainland, the island boasts interesting history, nature, birds – along with a birdwatching tower – and a cabin maintained by Parks & Wildlife Finland.
SUITE SENSE
If travels take your clients to Geneva, look no further than the all-suite property – The Woodward, a hidden gem for discerning travellers seeking an extraordinary escape. Nestled by the shimmering lakeside, The Woodward offers a world where haute living meets elegance in a post-Haussmann style building, masterfully constructed in 1901 by architect François Durel and meticulously reimagined by the visionary architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The hotel has made a name on the culinary front, whether the culinary delights of the Michelin-starred L’Atelier Robuchon or the gastronomic journey at Le Jardinier. Beyond indulgence lies a sanctuary of well-being, with the two-storey Spa Guerlain.