Yeoman

31/08/2022

Soho House Rome
The Rome outpost of this members club is set inside a Brutalist building next to La Sapienza university.
Why book?
The Rome outpost of Soho House, which opened in October 2021, is energizing and modern, set inside a 10-story restored Brutalist building next to La Sapienza university.
Set the scene
Soho House Rome’s Brutalist façade is a head-turner, but it’s the interior that really gets our attention. Look up from reception and you’ll see a gallery space showcasing work by a roster of hip young artists, or linger in the lobby, where young, smiley staff chat to young, trendy creatives as if they’ve known each other their entire lives. (Listen a little closer and you’ll realize they’re just pitching them their next screenplay.)
The backstory
For a brand that has made its name connecting creatives in up-and-coming neighborhoods, it's little surprise Soho House has chosen Rome’s San Lorenzo district for its first Italy opening. Its expansion into the country continues with Soho House Milan, due to open next year. There’s a strong visual-art theme across the hotel, with a dedicated gallery space and a 42-seat film screening room.
The rooms
There are 49 guest rooms and 20 apartments to choose from, all with unparalleled views that stretch across the Eternal City.
Food and drink
Eateries include a ground-floor deli bar and lounge area, plus an exclusive upstairs restaurant. The rooftop cocktail bar, with its lemon trees, striped linen blinds, and plush velvet stools, looks like it’s been lifted straight from Rome’s Dolce Vita era.
The neighborhood/area
San Lorenzo is a gritty, bohemian student neighborhood located just north of Termini station, where graffiti-decorated streets lined with indie boutiques, record stores, and pop-up cinemas.
The service
Interested and cool at the same time.
Anything else we should know about?
The signature Soho Health Club studios and gym spaces are open 24/7, as is the swimming pool.

31/08/2022

Kalesma Mykonos
Set on a bougainvillea-scented hilltop overlooking Ornos Bay, this serene, whitewashed sanctuary is a refreshingly discreet alternative to Mykonos’s flashy party scene.
Why book?
Set on a bougainvillea-scented hilltop overlooking Ornos Bay, this serene, whitewashed sanctuary is a refreshingly discreet alternative to Mykonos’s flashy party scene.
Set the scene
All across the island, beach clubs buzz to DJ beats and the party goes 24/7—unless you’re a guest at Kalesma. This intimate, laidback stay has created a different kind of scene, free of see-and-be-seen celebs like Paris Hilton and Kendall Jenner. The epitome of discreet, most guests lounge by their private plunge pools by day only to emerge just before sunset to sip grapefruit spritzes or signature G&Ts mixed with raspberry kombucha at the main pool bar, and dine on the excellent Mediterranean fare at Pere Ubu restaurant. With just 25 suites and two villas spread across five acres, Kalesma could be mistaken for a private estate, meticulously landscaped with 60-year-old olive trees, fuchsia and tangerine bougainvillea vines, and fragrant herbs. The designers have brilliantly married Mykonian tradition with modernity, contrasting Rick Owens furnishings and works from Serbian artist Aleksander Vac with organic interiors featuring marble, wood, and sand-blasted stone. Jackie Onassis would have certainly been a regular among the fashionable young guests—natural beauties who go makeup-free and well-groomed gents in Bottega Veneta swim trunks.
The backstory
Given the quality of the hotel’s restaurant, it should come as no surprise the Greek owners, Makis Kousathanas and Aby Saltiel, are also behind three of Athens’s top tables. The men grew up summering on Mykonos, and the hotel's land has been in one of their families for over a century. Greek designers Studio Bonarchi and K-Studio were brought in to give the authentic architecture a contemporary twist. Saltiel is often on-site playing host and creating the feel of being at a friend’s summer holiday house.
The rooms
Be warned, particularly if this is your first trip to Mykonos: You will need a lot of convincing to leave your room and explore the island. This is the type of hotel where you bring your partner or lover, skinny dip in your private plunge pool, make love in the outdoor shower, and order room service to enjoy in your king-sized bed or on your private terrace. The smallest suites are a spacious 680 square feet, with 970-square-foot patios discreetly hidden from view by clever landscaping. One-bedroom villas add between 1,500 and 1,900 square feet to the interiors and feature outdoor kitchens with barbecue areas. Interiors of whitewashed walls, stone floors, and chestnut-and-bamboo ceilings were inspired by old-world Cycladic architecture. The attention to detail is extraordinary. Horse hair-wrapped sconces by design studio Apparatus and custom hangers made with metallic equine-shaped hooks reference the horses that, according to Greek mythology, Apollo once stabled here. And the beds have been perfectly angled so you can wake to watch the sunrise above the Aegean through the floor-to-ceiling French doors.
Food and drink
The open-air restaurant, Pere Ubu, has already become one of the toughest reservations on the island, thanks to fresh, flavorful Cycladic dishes like baked sea bass wrapped in fig leaves and wood-fired lamb chops with favas and artichokes. Arrive early at Aloni sunset lounge to score a sofa by the fire pits and order a platter of meze (homemade hummus, tzatziki, smoked eggplant) and a bottle of crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini to enjoy as the sun sinks behind the island of Delos. The smell of fresh bread baking in the brick oven will lure even late-night partiers out of bed. (Though thankfully, breakfast is served until noon.) Don’t miss the soft scrambled eggs with feta and smashed avocado that come served with rustic whole grain sesame bread.
The spa
A spa is set to debut in 2022. For now, guests can book in-room massages and beauty treatments. The basement-level gym is small but has everything a fitness nerd could ask for, including Technogym cardio machines, kettlebells, and foam rollers. Personal trainers or yoga instructors can be booked for private poolside sessions.
The neighborhood/area
Tucked away on the northwest side of the island, the Aleomandra neighborhood is just 15 minutes from the main town of Mykonos, allowing guests to easily pop into the party scene and then retreat back to this low-key oasis. Kalesma is perched on a hillside that overlooks yacht-studded Ornos Bay, and it almost feels like a private island, affording guests both sunrise and sunset views.
The service
Intuitive and friendly. They remember exactly how you like your coffee in the morning and which wine you prefer. The concierge team is incredibly connected and makes you feel like an instant island VIP. I had booked a table at Scorpios beach club months in advance for a party of eight, and when it fell through at the last minute, the concierge was able to rebook me with an even better table for drinks and a table for dinner day of. They can also arrange bespoke activities, like a guided tour of the archeological site on nearby Delos or a helicopter tour of the coast.
For families
The owner and his wife have a young daughter who is frequently on property, and they keep guests’ children engaged by giving smaller kids buckets with beach toys and older kids reading and activity books about Greek myths.
Eco effort
The hotel collects rainwater to irrigate the gardens surrounding the property and recirculates and filters water for the pools. Bathrooms have dispensers for toiletries versus individual packaging, and the hotel is free of single-use plastic.
Accessibility
Two one-bedroom suites are ADA accessible.
Anything left to mention?
Two grand villas can be connected for a hotel-within-a-hotel feel complete with your own private gym and heated pool, plus chef and butler service by request. Athens-based jewelry store Zerteo, known for its trademark jewel-encrusted evil eyes, curates the boutique.
Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List?
Mykonos is no longer all about the party, thanks to the addition of Kalesma. This stylish hideaway has a restaurant that raises the island’s culinary credentials and suites sexy enough to warrant a spontaneous weekend getaway where you and your partner don’t leave your room. The design pays homage to Cycladic tradition and Greek mythology, while incorporating surprising touches like a Rick Owens double bubble sofa. Both owners frequent the property, making you feel like a very special guest at the island’s best-hosted dinner party. Trust us, you’ll be hard pressed to go back to the island’s all-night beach raves.

30/08/2022

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Modern, sleek, minimalist—and yet still inviting: that's COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, a peaceful escape off a busy road in Sathorn.
So, what was your first impression of this place?
You enter down a long driveway, shaded by enormous trees, to reflecting pools, smooth stones and plenty of glass. The sleek, minimalist design of Como creates a vibe more akin to a posh, modern art gallery, than a typical hotel. This is the best escape in the bustling, exciting neighborhood of Sathorn.
We're intrigued! Can you tell us about the digs?
The rooms are large compared with most in this price range in Bangkok. They feature giant windows, white linens, and espresso-wood floors with thick area rugs.
Sounds swanky. How about the F&B? What's available?
You'll find Michelin-starred dining at Nahm, the widely acclaimed modern Thai restaurant. Now under the helm of Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, it remains one of best meals you can book in a town famous for its food.
Wow—that's a ringing endorsement. How about the service?
The service is among of the best in the city. Everyone goes above and beyond; on one stay when we weren't feeling well, the staff even had a physician visit our room.
That's terrific. Now, can you tell us a bit about the other guests?
They're dressed to impress, ready to relax, and obsessed with food.
Got it. And what about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? What about shops or clubs or other places nearby?
Thanks to the high, white walls enclosing the pool and the long, lovely, heavily landscaped driveway (shared with the Banyan Tree Hotel), you truly have a retreat from the business of Bangkok. The neighborhood of Sathorn is popular with expats and visitors, and shops, spas and great restaurants are plentiful.
Perfect. Is there anything you'd change?
Nothing at all.
Awesome. Name one standout feature.
The pool is gorgeous; it's surrounded by plush, heavy deck chairs, white umbrellas, and a staff that's quick to refill your wine glass.
Bottom line: Worth it?
Yes, absolutely.

20/08/2022

Rang Mahal
This grand and somewhat formal restaurant combines Western and Indian techniques and ingredients, and offers an equally diverse wine list.
Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived.
Rang Mahal's lofty-ceilinged space marries European polish with Indian grandeur. Dressed in creams, golds, and earth tones, the massive dining room allows for tables to be placed apart; you'll feel like like you're dining in your own private space.
What was the crowd like?
Moneyed Indian businessmen talking shop over a meal and multi-generational Indian families.
What should we be drinking?
The wine list here has won numerous awards, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2016/2017. House glasses go for $20 and house bottles cost $80; the rest of the wine list combines Old and New World offerings that start from $95 for a Pinot Grigio. There are also a few wines from India.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
Much like the decor, the food here combines Western ingredients with Indian spices and cooking methods to yield elegant, complex creations like smoky tandoori portobello mushrooms with a sprinkling a chat masala and cheddar. The food is light yet exceedingly flavorful—you'll be satisfied without being stuffed. The $58 lunch buffet is a great way to sample a wide swath of the menu without breaking the bank.
And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
Formal and well-versed in the menu's offerings. The kitchen's pacing is always on point.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
Even if you get the buffet, the bill can add up. So save this for a corporate meal on the company card or a special occasion.

20/08/2022

New Ubin Seafood
With a menu of mixed styles, this seafood joint does a good job expressing how modern-day Singaporeans like to eat.
Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived.
The fact that New Ubin Seafood is housed in an industrial building's canteen says everything about the vibe: it's cacophonous and simple, with a dining room bathed in a deep yellow light. All that means Instagram is probably a no-go here.
What was the crowd like?
Everyone dressed comfortably, usually in the standard Singapore-casual uniform of shorts and a T-shirt.
What should we be drinking?
Beers and soft drinks. The restaurant has a BYOB policy so most tables bring their own booze.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss.
The restaurant's extensive menu of seemingly mixed styles reflects the taste preferences of Singaporeans today. There are traditional offerings like chilli crab and various Indian-style biryanis, but there are also dishes like "Heart Attack Fried Rice" (rice fried to a crisp with beef fat and dark soy sauce), perfectly cooked U.S. Black Angus rib eye steaks and foie gras satay. The menu is certainly eclectic, but almost all the dishes are terrific.
And how did the front-of-house folks treat you?
As is so often the case in popular Singapore restaurants of this ilk, the service here is often harried. Servers do their best to keep up with the dining room and seem to know the menu well, and the kitchen does a good job of sending out food at a good pace. But there are times when the sheer volume of diners gets the better of things.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here?
For hanging loose with a big group friends or family, if only because you'll be able to order more things to share.

09/08/2022

Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
An iconic city landmark, this 14th-century converted Doge's palace dominates the lagoon, and sits just a short stroll away from the Bridge of Sighs and the monuments of Piazza San Marco.
As one of city's most important landmarks, the Hotel Danieli—and the 204 stately guest rooms within—are a showcase of Venetian excellence. Set on Riva degli Schiavoni, the grand building, a converted 14th-century converted Doge's palace, dominates the lagoon, and sits just a short stroll away from the Bridge of Sighs and the monuments of Piazza San Marco. At the rooftop restaurant, Terrazza Danieli, you'll find simple, but thoughtful Venetian dishes—think wild seabass fillet, in a light sauce of sea urchin, or a veal cutlet with caramelized milk bread—that have become daily staples for locals and tourists alike. Relax after a day out on the terrace, with offers unobstructed views of San Giorgio Maggiore island.

09/08/2022

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
This grande dame is the ultimate in traditional luxury: a rich-hued marvel of a place that defines classic Venetian hospitality.
Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?
Hotel Gritti Palace, the grande dame of the city’s hotel scene, with its splendid position facing across the Grand Canal to Salute church, really is the ultimate in traditional luxury: a rich-hued marvel of a place that defines classic Venetian hospitality. The Rubelli fabrics on walls and furniture positively glow, aided by dazzling Murano chandeliers that take your breath away. The grandeur of the public rooms echoes in suites fit for monarchs—or movie stars.
What's the backstory?
Built in 1475 for Doge Andrea Gritti, this gorgeous palazzo is now part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection. A $50 million tip-to-toe makeover overseen by designer Chuck Chewning of Donghia preserved and enhanced the building's historic features while ushering the facilities into the 21st century.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
From the standard double room to the extraordinarily plush Presidential Suite, with its series of floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a superlative view over the Grand Canal, there's no room at the Gritti that won’t make you marvel at the attention to detail and sheer opulence. Painted ceilings, antique mirrors and artworks, exclusive Acqua di Parma toiletries: Everything here is pure pampering.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-fi is free and fast.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
With the view from this Grand Canal terrace, you could easily overlook what’s on your plate, but the breakfast buffet—or some great pancakes from the à la carte menu—help to refocus your attention. Chef Daniele Turco plays innovative games with local ingredients and traditions in the Club del Doge restaurant. Or just drop by for a Basil-ica cocktail (gin, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, orange bitters, and fresh basil) in the Riva bar, arguably the city’s most glamorous spot for aperitivi and nightcaps.
And the service?
Discreet, warm, super-professional, and entirely in keeping with the surroundings.
What type of travelers will you find here?
The Gritti is plush but never brash, and its clientele tends to match.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?
The heavily trafficked tourist route from the Accademia to Piazza San Marco is just around the corner, but as you glide up to the Gritti’s private jetty in your water taxi and relax on the terrace or in the cool, shady interior, you’d never know. The hotel sits at a seriously chic point on that route, right by a slew of big-name designer boutiques.
Any other hotel features worth noting?
The spa, in collaboration with Sisley Paris, has single and double spa suites, a hammam, and aromatherapy treatments. At the Gritti Epicurean cooking school, small groups are introduced to the marvels of Venetian culinary traditions in half-day to three-day courses.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why?
This is luxury with a capital "L"; it's the best possible mix of old-school class with of-the-minute comforts.

09/08/2022

09/08/2022

09/08/2022