January ‘21

A. What a year it has been! We can palpably feel a collective sigh of relief that a new year is upon us. While we’re still in the midst of changes and trials, at ESCAPADES, we’re optimistic and eager for what is ahead. As we enter this bright new year and plan where in the world to go to next, we’re assembling our 2021 bucket list to make sure our travels this year properly make up for lost time. Our goal for the new year is to spend time outdoors, reconnecting with nature and recentering ourselves. Shall we charter a Phinisi-style yacht through Indonesian islands? Or experience Mongolian-style horseback riding alongside the "dark blue pearl"? Maybe this year we will bathe under the Northern Lights, or observe gorilla groups in their natural habitat in Volcanoes National Park? Or will 2021 bring us to the perfectly-cooked churrasco a la plancha on Francis Mallmann’s private Patagonian island? Wherever your travels bring you this year, we wish you all a happy and inspired year ahead.

B. On January 15th, Baja California gets a new kid on the block. The 35-room Paradero Todos Santos opens on 5 acres within a Mesa farming community, offering guests nature-immersive experiences, such as surfing, hands-on farming tutorials, mountain biking, and boating and fishing expeditions. Many of these experiences (including Baja taco tours!) are inclusive in the nightly rate.

C. From the team behind our favorite (now shuttered) Korean fermentation-forward restaurant Baroo, Shiku recently opened up in Los Angeles’s Grand Central Market offering family-style traditional Korean fare.

D. Speaking of restaurants, now more than ever, we recommend supporting our favorite eateries across the US by buying merch at Merch 4 Relief. Cool swag is available from participating restaurants, including some favorites, Wildair, Night + Market, and Rose's Luxury.

E. If we weren’t already in awe enough with the Kasliwal family’s precious stones and jewelry collection sold in their Jaipur shop Gem Palace, they’ve wowed us again with the opening of The Johri hotel. With Siddharth Kasliwal and Abhishek Honawar as the masterminds behind the project and Honawar’s wife Naina Shah overseeing the design, this dazzling new hotel located within the walls of the old city will surely be a treat for your eyes.

F. On January 23rd, French businessman François Pinault will finally unveil his new contemporary art museum Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection located within Paris’ former stock exchange. The 73,000 square foot private museum, reimagined by renowned architect Tadao Ando, will showcase pieces from Pinault’s 5,000-piece contemporary art collection which includes works by Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman.

G. Currently on display in Detroit at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Turkel House is Library Street Collective’s exhibit SITE 002. Until February 13th, go to check out works by progressive artists including Nick Cave, Frank Stella, Amoako Boafo, Loie Hollowell and Austyn Weiner.

H. Deals. Deals. Deals We Love. Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 at COMO Parrot Cay, valid for travel now through July 17. Looking to escape to Aspen this winter? For travel now through April 11, receive a fourth night free at Hotel Jerome or 20% off at St. Regis Aspen for stays of 4 nights or more. For a cozy New England winter escape, receive a third night free at Mayflower Inn & Spa, now through March 31st. Finally, Singita Grumeti is offering a fourth night free at any of their Serengeti properties for travel now through May 31. Some restrictions may apply.

I. To get glimpse into the underworld of Bombay and spark your travel spirit, here’s a little recommended reading.