26 February 2024
Spring is about to make its entrance, and in Japan, that means celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms. In Melbourne, the Food & Wine Festival takes center stage, treating the entire city’s taste buds. In Africa, you can combine the pleasant temperature (around 20 degrees) in Marrakech with the opening of some remarkably beautiful design riads. Meanwhile, in Brussels and Madrid, there are plenty of cool events and exhibitions on the menu.
To help you out in your decision making we’ve rounded up the 5 best destinations to go to this month, including some tips on where to stay, eat, shop and go.
Gastronomy, serene design and a rooftop pool
This month, people are traveling from all over the world to Japan to witness the blooming of the plum blossom and cherry blossom trees. But there’s more to see and do, especially in Tokyo, a city that never sleeps. Belgian chef Sergio Herman opened a Japanese version of Le Pristine last December. Located in Hotel Toranomon Hills the restaurant is designed by the Danish Space Copenhagen. It features not only a fine dining restaurant but also a more casual café. However, there are more restaurants to try in the city: Censu is a modern Japanese izakaya where wine takes center stage, while Massif attracts a trendy crowd with its sustainable tasting menu. Don’t forget to make a stop at Parklet, a fantastic bakery. And rent a Tokyobike to explore the city.
Where to stay: Trunk Hotel has multiple locations, but their latest opening at Yoyogi Park is truly stunning with a rooftop pool. It is a collaboration between Keiji Ashizawa Design, responsible for the architecture, and the Danish Norm Architects, who created a serene interior. On the ground floor, there is a pizzeria, and it is located in the green Tomigaya district, a 10-minute walk from Shibuya station.
We are now working on a Tokyo page on the site, soon more
Hotels, ceramics and weddings
Marrakech is already on everyone’s list for Musee YSL and Jardin Majorelle, but the Moroccan city is suddenly buzzing with the opening of some incredibly cool hotels. Designer Laurence Leenaert, of the eponymous label LRNCE, opened Rosemary there. A riad where every corner is decorated with love for craftsmanship. There are five suites, and they also organize workshops such as hand-painted ceramics. Maison Brummell opened its doors last year directly at Jardin Marjorelle, and the owner of the eponymous hotel in Barcelona is adding a Riad Brummell this year: right in the heart of the Medina. The question is: do you now feel overwhelmed with choices, or do you simply try them all and extend your stay in Marrakech? 😉
Where to stay outside of Marrakech: It’s actually a shame not to explore the surroundings of Marrakech: the mountains, the desert, and especially the star-filled sky that seems to have escaped from a 1001-nights tale. Farasha Farmhouse is the love child of Fred and Rosena Charmoy, who, with Boutique Souk, organized the most beautiful weddings and events in Marrakech before falling in love with this house that once belonged to the French painter Patrice Arnaud. They transformed it into a small-scale hotel, where, of course, events are regularly organized as well.
We are now working on a Marrakech page on the site, soon more
Miguel Mila, shopping and wine
Madrid is all about design this month with the ongoing Madrid Design Festival lasting until March 31. Make sure to visit the Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa, where you can explore an exhibition featuring the works of designer Miguel Milá, known for the famous Cesta lamp, as well as an exhibit on chairs, icons of modern design (both exhibitions run until March 31). All of this is conveniently located near the Chueca district, where you’ll find some of the finest spots. From the inspiring Sessun shop to Gota Wine Bar, a wine bar next door to Peruvian restaurant Llama Inn.
Where to stay: Unfortunately, Madrid has few independent hotels with inspiring design, so I would recommend booking an Airbnb. Starting from 123 euros per night, you can find a comfortable apartment for yourself. For example, I found this apartment with a view of the city and an additional workspace. And this bright apartment where three people can stay near Plaza Sol.
Find more recommendations on the Madrid page
21-st century design, independent art and cider
Collectible has grown into one of the leading fairs for 21st-century design in just a few years. Taking place in the iconic Vanderborght Building in the heart of the city, galleries, independent designers, and artists come together from March 7 – 10. Nearby, there’s Frank, a great spot for a cup of coffee, or venture a bit further to Vlaamsesteenweg, where you can enjoy cider and delicious food at Nightshop. For a fine dining experience, book a table at Aster.
Where to stay: The Hoxton opened its doors last summer in the former IBM tower, a 22-story building. The rooftop restaurant offers an incredible view of the city, as do the rooms. On the ground floor, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast or grab a coffee to go. Don’t miss out on one of the peanut butter cookies – a great snack for the fifteen-minute walk to Collectible.
Find more recommendations on the Brussels page
Food, bathhouse and studio stay
This month, everything in Melbourne revolves around food, not just during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (from March 15 to 24). For example, on March 12, Julie in Abbotsford is hosting a wine dinner with Harriet Tomlinson, known for her participation in Masterchef Australia. A bit further, CIBI is organizing a traditional Japanese breakfast during the Food & Wine Festival. If you’ve indulged yourself and feel tired, head to Sense of Self, a new-style bathhouse where you can also book massages or add an extra dimension to your hammam experience with a sud & mud kit.
Where to stay: The White Room is a studio for two in a former factory in North Fitzroy. Designed by the renowned interior designer Lynda Gardner, the studio features a neutral color palette with occasional curiosities. Various paintings adorn the walls, a pheasant sits on the cabinet, and there’s a comfortable reading chair surrounded by a collection of books.
Find more recommendations on the Melbourne page
Credits: Gota Wine Bar: Salva Lopez, Trunk Hotel: Tomooki Kengaku, Rosemary: Marina Denisova, Llama Inn: via Llama Inn, Nightshop: Petite Passport, Sense of Self: via Sense of Self
