MARCH ‘22
A. Is 2022 the year of train travel? Belmond nabbed Wes Anderson to redesign the 1950s-era Cygnus carriage on its British Pullman train, which is now available to book for day journeys out of London's Victoria Station. Made famous by crime writer Agatha Christie in her 1934 book "Murder on the Orient Express,” the Cygnus carriage has been preserved by Anderson to maintain its historical Art-Deco design while incorporating his own signature style. Pastel pink accents, green upholstery, and bold geometric shapes and patterns are reminiscent of Anderson’s cinematic aesthetic. Two new private coupés with 360-degree handcrafted marquetry can be exclusively booked for up to four guests. Book your tickets now for an upcoming murder mystery lunch through the Kent countryside, champagne afternoon tea, or a special dining experience with a renowned guest chef.
B. Another new train experience by none other than Belmond, Veuve Clicquot is celebrating its 250th anniversary by taking over the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from June 5-7, 2022. The journey beings in Reims, France, Veuve Clicquot's home since its inception in 1772. In Reims, guests are invited to an immersive lunch and cuvée sampling before heading off on a two-night trip that follows the shipping route of the Champagne's first bottles. The journey concludes with a night's stay at Venice’s Cipriani. While onboard, guests will indulge in bites by chef Jean Imbert and sumptuous pairings by Veuve Clicquot.
C. The new Tadao-Ando designed hotel The Shinmonzen opened its doors in December in Kyoto’s Gion district. Dreamt up by hotelier Paddy McKillen, who developed the striking Villa La Coste in the South of France, The Shinmonzen offers a modern take on the traditional ryokan. The newly built structure’s exterior was designed to blend into its surroundings, with a look and feel inspired by traditional machiya townhouses. Yet on the inside, guests will be surprised to find raw concrete, vertical wood slats, and an impressive contemporary art collection.
D. Explora El Chaltén welcomed its first guests this past December in Argentinean Patagonia’s 14,000-acre Los Huemules Conservation Reserve. The lodge’s 20 airy and minimalistic rooms offer awe-inspiring views of the Patagonian mountains, which guests can easily access for a day of hiking or rock and glacier climbing. After a day of adventure exploring the pristine forests, lakes and glaciers nearby, head to the spa for a sauna, open-air jacuzzi, and massage with views of the Ñirre Forest.
E. A former medical complex in Brazil has been reimagined by Jean Nouvel and Philippe Starck to become the new Rosewood São Paulo, the brand’s first foray into Latin America. Opened in January, the property now features 160 guest rooms and 100 residences, as well as a cinema, music studio, two pools, and a spa. On display are a collection of 450 works by contemporary Brazilian artists.
F. In the heart of the Italian Dolomites' Cortina d’Ampezzo, Hotel de Len recently opened after the completion of a gut renovation of what was once the historic Hotel Impero. The minimalistic design utilizes natural, sustainable materials and celebrates the art of woodworking (the name De Len, means ‘of wood’ in the local dialect). The property consists of 22 rooms, a restaurant, bar, and an oversized rooftop De Len Spa.
G. Montage’s design-driven spinoff hotel brand, The Pendry, opened the doors last month to its newest Park City Utah location. The 153-room ski-in/ski-out property is comprised of three buildings surrounding a plaza wherein guests can snuggle up for après-ski fireside hangouts. Skis and snowboards can be rented onsite and for those not hitting the slopes, the spa and rooftop pool will keep you more than satisfied.
H. Montage also debuted Big Sky Montana’s first luxury ski-in/ski-out lodge. A $400M development project, Montage Big Sky has 139 guest rooms, suites and residences, as well as six dining venues and a 10,000 square foot spa. Hotel guests have access to Big Sky Resort’s 5,850 skiable acres, three world-class Blue Ribbon fly-fishing rivers, and a private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf.
I. To celebrate Yves Saint Laurent’s 60th anniversary, six Parisian museums where the French designer sought inspiration have collaborated to display a multi-museum exhibition, Yves Saint Laurent aux Musées. Centre Pompidou, Musée d'Orsay, Musée National Picasso Paris, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, Musée du Louvre and Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris have each paired the designer’s creations with works by artists including Mondrian, Picasso and Matisse. The shows run until May 15.
J. In late April, business and life partners Katina and Kyle Connaughton of Sonoma’s acclaimed Single Thread Farms will open the doors to Little Saint, a farm-focused plant-based restaurant, cafe and wine shop in Healdsburg. The 10,000 square foot venue will also function as an art gallery and performance space highlighting local talent curated by interior designer Ken Fulk’s Saint Joseph’s Arts Foundation.
K. Acclaimed Yakitori chef Atsushi ‘ATS’ Kono will debut his first solo restaurant this month, Kono, located within New York City’s Bowery Arcade. The intimate 14-seat restaurant will offer a kappo-style yakitori omakase, featuring seasonal vegetables, organic Amish chicken cuts and other specialities grilled over binchotan charcoal.