28 March 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: Antwerp, Bali, Barcelona, Brandenburg (Germany) and Milan.
From April 7–13, the global design world converges in Milan for a week of inspiration. The entire city pulses with events – whether you’re curious about Jil Sander’s reinterpretation of the Thonet S 64 chair, discovering the new wave of designers at CONVEY, or stepping into the lobby at Straf, where Design Hotels explores the evolving role of the hotel lobby. Of course, dining is essential. VERY SIMPLE: PIZZERIA is where design meets gastronomy. Just around the corner, the newly opened and stylish Sandi is well worth booking for lunch.
Design Stays? It’s an old favorite, but Room Mate Giulia remains a go-to, thanks to its unbeatable location next to the Duomo di Milano and vibrant interiors by Patricia Urquiola.
Encircling Berlin, Brandenburg offers urbanites a soothing escape into wide-open nature – perfect for hiking, biking, and tracing where Berlin’s chefs, like those from Aerde, source their ingredients. In Friedrichshain, the beloved Michelberger Hotel now has a countryside sibling: Michelberger Farm. Think: sleep, cycle, paddle, horseback ride — and above all, eat well.
Design Stays? North of Berlin, about 1.5 hours from Mitte, you’ll find St. Oak Apartments: a loft space by the impeccably stylish Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann, known from Our Food Stories. Ideal for four guests, with modern interiors and a dreamy secret garden breakfast spot.
We’re drawn back again to Poblenou – a former industrial district now alive with design studios, co-working spaces, and start-ups, spawning a wave of hotspots. Years ago, Nomad opened its roastery here. Now one of its founders, alongside a chef and sommelier, launched Gegant, a Catalan restaurant. Lazy day? Stay local: sip at Nomad Frutas Selectas, take a ceramics class at Flama, drink natural wine at Masa, and lunch at Casa Taos.
Design Stays? Stay at The Hoxton in Poblenou – a beautifully designed hotel with a rooftop terrace to remember. Rent a bike and explore the neighborhood. Soho House member? Keep an eye out for the upcoming Barcelona Pool House in the chic Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.
More tips on the Barcelona page
In Uluwatu, blend coffee, surf, and music at Analog, then unwind with a yoga or meditation session at Alchemy (also home to a charming vegan café). Over in Canggu, check out MeiMei, the latest from the Yuki family – and work your way through an ever-growing list of gems: Australian export St. Ali for coffee, or the French label Kitsuné, now with a store, café, and restaurant.
Design Stays? Further Hotel is a dream for design lovers: terracotta walls, a sculptural brick façade, charcoal linens, and an indulgent walk-in shower. Want a change of scenery? Head to the rooftop pool.
MoMu’s new exhibition explores fashion and interior through a gender lens, featuring works by Maison Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester, and Raf Simons (on view until August 3, 2025). Pair it with a visit to Nectar, a floral studio-meets-design shop and restaurant newly opened in March.
Wandering the city center? Pop into Graanmarkt 13 to browse timeless pieces in both fashion and interior design.
Design Stays? Hotel Julien, from the same owner as August, occupies two renovated 16th-century buildings. Inside, it’s a serene retreat with a cozy book-lined lounge and earth-toned rooms full of character.
Credits: All photos by Petite Passport except openingspicture Michelberger Farm by Sigurd Larsen, St. Oak by Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann, Further Hotel via the hotel)
