1 February 2025
There are so many inspiring destinations to travel to, so to help you choose, I present five design destinations each month, featuring new restaurants, cafés, shops, and hotels that we shouldn’t miss—along with a relevant (design) hook.
This month: Stockholm, Mexico City, Rotterdam, Cape Town, and Bangkok.
Stockholm
Design lovers are heading to the Swedish capital this month for Stockholm Design Week (February 3–9) and its accompanying fair, exhibitions, and pop-ups. Public Service Gallery in Östermalm is a must-visit, showcasing work by Nick Ross x Contem—beautiful wooden furniture. Harvest Hair by Inez Jonsson is another great reason to visit the gallery.
Which hotspots should we not miss? Go shopping at the Flattered flagship store, and don’t forget to have breakfast at Stora Bageriet.
Design Stays? The new Stockholm Stadshotel in Södermalm offers rooms with a timeless elegance. There’s a sauna and a cold bath for wellness seekers, but you can also find relaxation in the two restaurants by chef Olle T. Cellton (of Babette).
More tips on the Stockholm page
Mexico, and especially its capital, Mexico City, is becoming more popular each year. The city excels in restaurants and design hotels, and it’s a paradise for art and architecture lovers. Casa Luis Barragán should be on your list, as well as Museo Jumex.
During Mexico Art Week (February 4–9), Grupo Habita, the hotel group behind Mexico’s trendiest hotels, is teaming up with Design Hotels to host a pop-up restaurant at Zona Maco, the country’s biggest art fair. Be sure to visit La Laguna, a former textile factory now transformed into a creative hub, and Odette for the best pastries.
Design Stays? Círculo Mexicano is a minimalist hotel decorated with work by Mexican designers and artists. From the rooftop terrace, you’ll have a phenomenal view over Centro Histórico.
More tips on the Mexico City page
The Netherlands’ second city continues to innovate. In May, both the Fenix Museum and the Nederlands Fotografiemuseum will open, but February remains the month for design and art lovers.
We already had Art Rotterdam and Object Rotterdam. The latter, a design fair (February 14–16), is moving to a new location in the city center for the first time this year. Also new is the Design Biennale (February 20 – March 2), created by Liv Vaisberg, the force behind Collectible Brussels and New York. Expect exhibitions, talks, and conferences—all spotlighting Rotterdam’s design talent.
Design Stays? It’s finally happening! At the end of February, the first coffee hotel, Man met Bril Koffie Hotel, will open in Crooswijk, right by the Rotte River.
More tips on the Rotterdam page
February is a fantastic time to visit Cape Town—not just for its 25°C temperatures, but also for its incredible dining and drinking spots. From coffee at Pauline’s at Goodman Gallery to wine at the newly opened Cassette Tiny Wine Bar in Sea Point.
But Cape Town also invites you to explore beyond the city. For example, head to the nearby wine regions. North of Paarl, Vygie opened last year—a beautiful farm where you can also enjoy lunch.
Design Stays? Did you know that the owners of Babylonstoren have opened something new? It’s called B L O U and is located in Keurbooms, near Plettenberg Bay, on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Only a few cabins are available, and they’re exclusively for previous Babylonstoren guests.
More tips on the Cape Town page
Apparently, we all need to visit Ari, where Le Labo has just opened a photogenic new store. This neighborhood is one of the trendiest areas in the city and is easily accessible by metro. While you’re there, check out Landhaus Bakery and Café Vondervic.
Don’t forget that Bangkok Design Week also takes place this month, from February 8 to 23, featuring exhibitions and tours through unique Thai architecture.
Design Stays? Josh, a three-star hotel, is located in Ari, but you might also want to wait for the opening of the Aman Nai Lert Hotel—though that won’t happen until April.
Credits: Openings image plus Circulo Mexicano: Sergio López, courtesy of Grupo Habita, Stockholm Stadshotel via their site, Man met Bril cafe via Petite Passport, Pauline’s at Goodman Gallery via their Instagram page, Cafe Vondervic via their Instagram page.
