Hope you’re having a great week.

Back when this was called The Hotel Shortlist, the randomness of our family’s three week trip to France didn’t really seem to fit (at least in my head), so I’ve never shared too much about it. But France is a massive country with so much to offer outside the usual suspects (I’m looking at you Paris, Provence and the French Riviera).

While we adore Kauai and there is nowhere else in the United States I’d rather live at the moment, we’ve toyed with the idea of moving out of the country, in large part due to the political climate in the United States. Since we were there for research purposes and not strictly for leisure, we spent a lot of time exploring random towns and just soaking up the atmosphere to see if we could envision a life there. During our three weeks in the country we covered a fair amount of ground — from the Dordogne to the French Alps, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite spots.

To read the post online, click here.

Corsica

We spent about a week on the Mediterranean island and crammed in a ton, but I’d love to go back and enjoy it at a more relaxed pace. The mountains are beautiful and the water is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen. I’m dying to go back to stay at Domaine le Mouflon d'Or and spend more time at the beaches. I put some of our trip highlights and some helpful tips in this post I did last year if you’re interested.

Montignac-Lascaux, France

After our week-ish in Corsica, we rented a car and headed to our home for the next 10 nights — this Airbnb in Montignac-Lascaux, which is in the Dordogne region — located between in the southwest region of France. I think it was under $150/night, so very affordable. It’s a small barn conversion on a larger property, but we barely saw the owners and the grounds were lovely. It didn’t have AC though, so fair warning.

The town itself was cute, set along the Vézère River, but I’m not sure it’s noteworthy enough to go out of your way for. I’d learned from my solo trip to Provence in the spring that I couldn’t see myself living there (it was too dry and beige), and I’d heard the Dordogne was greener (it was).

Les Jardins Suspendus de Marqueyssac - Vézac, France

I took Benjiro here (while Jeff worked) for one of their monthly Candlelight Evenings, which happen every Thursday in July/August from 7PM-midnight, and it was the most magical thing. They had tons to do for both kids and adults — from arts & crafts to classical music shows to theatrical performances — all around the grounds. Plus they have a really great outdoor cafe that overlooks the countryside below. Highly recommend!

Bordeaux

We barely scratched the surface here, but I really like what I saw of the city. It offered a bit of that city vibe, but on a manageable scale. I loved the Chartrons neighborhood, which had a young and creative atmosphere with cobblestone streets lined with cool boutiques, restaurants and wine bars. A few stores I loved: Ama (home boutique), Le 101 (art gallery/boutique), Socquette (toy store).

The Jardin Public, an 18th century park with landscaped gardens, Natural History Museum, carousel, etc. was another Bordeaux highlight.

Bergerac

A picturesque medieval town on the Dordogne River with no real connection to Cyrano (except honorary statues) and small enough for a day trip. They had a free outdoor concert along the riverbank the night we were there and it was fun exploring with no agenda in mind. There’s a small city park tucked back between the cobblestone streets called Place de la Mirpe with an adorable little playground that Benjiro enjoyed.

Pyla-Su-Mer

Pyla-Sur-Mer is a laid-back seaside community in the commune of La Teste-de-Buch — think pine forests, oyster farming and the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat. Located in the Bassin d'Arcachon, it sits across from the more widely known Cap Ferret. It’s a little over an hour’s drive from Bordeaux (be prepared for lots of traffic in the summer), so it’s a popular holiday spot for the French. You’ll see a lot of neo-Basque style architecture with bold striped half-timbered houses, which I loved.

We were in desperate need of adventure (not to mention some sweet sweet air conditioning), so I took Benjiro on an overnight here while Jeff got some solo time to work back at the Airbnb. I would’ve loved to stay at the Philippe Starck-designed La Co(o)rniche, but it was far too expensive for a last minute stay, so we booked the next best thing — Hôtel Ha(a)ïtza — another one designed by Philippe Starck (and literally a 2-minute drive away). If you’re interested, my review is below:

We spent the majority of our time at the hotel (the pool was a hit with Benjiro) but ventured out after checkout and had lunch at The Bar at La Co(o)rniche. It was a little sceney for my taste and the food wasn’t super memorable, but the design and views were unbeatable. You could see the Dune de Pilat and across Arachon Bay to Cap Ferret. Walk-ins are welcome at the bar’s patio, but you’ll need a reservation for the actual restaurant. Hôtel Ha(a)ïtza and La Co(o)rniche share the same owners, so if I’d thought ahead I probably could’ve secured a reservation with our hotel’s concierge.

I know we have some great playgrounds in the States, but I was really impressed by some of the French playgrounds, particularly Aire de jeux Parc Meller in Pyla-Sur-Mer. It was in right next to the beach and I loved how chic its design was.

Megève

Next, it was a very long drive to Megève in the French Alps. It’s a popular ski resort town in the winter, but staying in July allowed for fewer crowds, cheaper rates and cooler temps than the Dordogne. Did the Alpine chalet architecture and verdant mountain scenery make me feel like bursting into a very off-key rendition of Do-Re-Mi? Absolutely.

We stayed at L’Alpaga Megève, which was really lovely. Full review below:

Lake Annecy

The turquoise alpine lake blew me away. We rented a pedalo (pedal boat) from a place called Le Bounty on the east side of the lake. It was a fun way to get out on the water and enjoy the views, especially of the hang gliders. Later, we found a small “beach” to hang out at, which was more like a giant lawn of sunbathers with a couple ladders down into the water. We drove through the town of Annecy, but found it to be far too crowded in the height of summer and much preferred the more laid-back eastern side of the lake. I’d love to go back and explore this area properly, but it was a great introduction.

I saw this hotel from the water — Le Palace de Menthon — and while I’m not really in love with the entire place, it’s in a great location and this suite looks pretty incredible.

We ended our trip with a quick trip to Paris because my son really wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. If you want a picturesque spot away from the crowds to view it, definitely check out Avenue de Camoëns. It’s a small dead-end cobblestone street with a beautiful stone staircase that makes for the perfect photo backdrop away from the crowds (there will be people, but there were maybe 15-20 when we were there). We stayed at Saint James Paris. Review below.

And, there you have it. Three random-ish weeks in France.

My biggest takeaway is that there are so many under-traveled (at least by Americans) regions to explore. If you’re willing to venture outside Paris, Provence and the Côte d’Azur, you can experience a slice of French culture for a fraction of the cost (I know not all of these are off the radar — just less-frequented). Plus, I always enjoying seeing places the locals like to go on holiday.

Where’s your favorite spot in France (on or off the beaten path)?

Thanks so much for reading!

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

I’ve been saving some of these hotel suites for years, and others I came across as I was researching for this post. Are many of them wildly expensive? Yes. But not all. Some are actually surprisingly affordable. But they all have soul. Because if you’re going to be spending your hard-earned money, it should be on something that makes you feel something.

For this one I’ve tried to stick to true suites and haven’t veered too much into the private villa category (will save for another post).

So let’s throw caution to the wind and dream big together, shall we?

This is a long one, so click here to view the full post online.

The “Secret” Room - The Fife Arms - Braemar, Scotland

While there’s no shortage of immersive suites in this art-forward, theatrical dream of a hotel, this one — dedicated to Coco Chanel — is so utterly romantic. It’s my firm belief that a soak in that copper tub might heal me.

Matembezi House - Olepangi Farm - Timau, Kenya

So, this may be cheating a bit as it’s a 5-bedroom house on an expansive farm, but since we’re going big, let’s full send it. Farm stay and maximalist, collected interiors — ugh, this is the dream.

Blue Room - Beit Trad Guesthouse - Kfour, Lebanon

A family home turned intimate guesthouse in the mountains of Lebanon. Each room charming in its own right, the chandelier and the airy feel of this one speaks to me.

Villa Aralia - The Colony Hotel - Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Obsessed with how Mark D. Sikes layered such a seemingly simple striped pattern to create a space with so much depth. It’s part of a wider collection of villas designed in collaboration with creatives like Cabana Magazine’s Martina Mondadori and Aerin Lauder.

Odilo Suite - Steam Ship Sudan - Nile, Egypt

Purported to be the ship that inspired Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, this is a true bucket list experience for me. Despite the pull of the suite bearing the mystery writer’s name, Odilo — with windows facing both sides of the Nile and its own private deck — would be the dream.

Château Gudanes - Château-Verdun, France

Not a photo of a hotel suite, clearly — but I make the rules here. I’d happily stay in any room at this hauntingly beautiful château.

Horse Suite AND Cuixmala Suite - Cuixmala - Jalisco, Mexico

I spent way too much time debating which is my favorite, so both it is. The Horse Suite gets my vote for the vibrant colors and cozy factor and the Cuixmala Suite wins out for palatial-ness and ocean views.

Villa Palladio - Jaipur, India

Their website gives infuriatingly little information, but again — would happily stay in any room to experience this candy-striped wonderland, the vision of founder Barbara Miolini and designer Marie-Anne Oudejans.

First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s Tent - Shinta Mani Wild - Kampong Seila​, Cambodia

Filled with memorabilia from Jackie O’s first trip to Cambodia, the Bill Bensley-designed “tent” is like taking a very expensive field trip.

The Granville Suite - Raffles London at The OWO - London, England

Likely the most expensive suite (by far) of the bunch, this one is named after the man rumored to be Churchill’s favorite spy. It’s regal, yet orderly and I’m very into it. Also the bathroom is so good it makes me want to weep.

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Walking past salmon-hued walls into Hotel Hércules’ central courtyard, I felt a little bit like a kid in a candy store. Everywhere I turned it was one photogenic scene after another. A marble statue of the god Hercules, perfectly framing the19th-century textile factory behind it. The Back to the Future-coded clock tower above olive trees dotting the courtyard. And this was just my first impression.

Normally I choose the hotel and let the trip follow, but this stay was born out of necessity. We were doing our Mexico travel a bit piecemeal so we never actually had a return flight. After accessing our options, we determined that the most efficient-slash-cheapest option was to take an hour and a half long car ride to Querétaro from San Miguel de Allende, then hop on a flight the next morning to Tijuana and use the Cross Border Express to walk into San Diego where my mom would pick us up.

I’d never actually heard of Querétaro, which meant I had no hotels in mind. So to the interwebs I went to find a cute/comfortable/affordable spot to crash until our 3 AM hotel departure. I was immediately struck with Hotel Hércules. It was only later that I discovered the New York Times had actually named Querétaro one of the their 52 Places to Travel in 2026, along with a mention of Hotel Hércules itself. It appeared my instinct was right.

Read on for what it’s like to stay at this former textile factory turned boutique hotel.

To view on the web rather than email, click here.

Give me the one-liner:

An industrial-chic 19th-century textile factory turned boutique hotel and brewery in Querétaro, Mexico.

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Hi Friends!

I can’t believe it’s already August. After a July spent traveling, I’ve slowly been getting back into somewhat of a routine again here on island, which feels good. My post-school-drop-off beach walks have been giving me life and I truly can’t believe I now have a second grader. It’s so fun that he’s reading chapter books and doing 1000 piece puzzles with us now, but also sometimes I just want to stop time.

Here’s what’s been on my mind and in my open tabs and feeds this month!

In this newsletter:

• A cozy Wyoming lodge reopening that’s mountain-town charm meets European chalet, plus tons more hotel openings I’m tracking through the end of the year.

• A new-to-me Goa hideaway that feels like staying at your chic friend’s vacation home.

• My first byline in one of my dream travel publications and the long road it took to get here.

To view on the web rather than email, click here.

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As silly as it might sound, living on Kauai ruined beige for me.

I know, I know — that’s a bold statement to make. But let me explain.

Most weekday mornings I make the ten minute drive into Hanalei town, which I’d argue is one of the most awe-inspiring routes on earth. Of course I haven’t been everywhere, but I’ve been fortunate enough to s…

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This one's better with photos — click here to view the full post online.

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When I visited Spain last spring I initially wanted to do both Mallorca and Menorca, but Mallorca won out because I had my heart set on staying at Grand Hotel Son Net (no regrets, read my check-in here) and I still wanted to get to France since we were considering a move to Europe.

But I haven’t been able to get Menorca out of my head. For one thing, it seems to be getting a lot more attention, so it’s kind of hard to ignore. And another is that it offers that kind of idyllic landscape that I’m increasingly drawn to. Mornings spent swimming in wild coves. Slow afternoons wandering in town. Farm-to-table dinners under the stars. Plus, it’s more compact and easier to navigate which is always a plus in my book.

I decided to try something a little different for this roundup. Instead of just giving you the top design-led stays on the island, I broke it down into two sections: the first is a super-curated shortlist of the hotels I’d love to book, and the second is a list of hotels that I think deserve to be on your radar but wouldn’t be my top choices for one reason or another.

Read on for my Menorca hotel picks.

The Menorca Hotel Shortlist:

Son Blanc Farmhouse - Alaior, Menorca, Spain

Regenerative agriculture, but make it relaxed and chic. With just 14 unique rooms, each with a soft, boho-inspired neutral palette, on a 130-hectare working farmstead, Son Blanc Farmhouse offers something most rural hotels don’t — authenticity. Luxury here isn’t about white tablecloths and thread counts, it’s about nature, connection and creativity. Think dining at communal tables, creative residencies (from pottery to breathwork) and slow days spent around the farm. You know my love for animals runs deep, so their donkeys, sheep and bees (among others) are a big selling point for me.

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Happy July, friends!

I feel like I have so much to catch you up on. I’ve been traveling for just about a month and am happy to report that I’m back on Kaua’i. As much as I love being out there exploring, I can’t tell you how good it felt to finally sleep in my own bed.

In this newsletter:

• A recent opening in the Hamptons that’s east coast preppy meets coastal cottage meets Americana.

• A stunning new-to-me villa with interiors by the same designer as one of Egypt’s most storied hotels.

• Where I stayed and the places I loved during my recent trip to Mexico City, Morelos and San Miguel de Allende.

And if you’re PR and represent a property you think my readers would love, feel free to email helloidyllmag@gmail.com — especially if it’s an upcoming opening!

To view on the web rather than email, click here.

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Sometimes as much as we wish we could be out there exploring somewhere new, we’re back at home living our everyday lives. Don’t get me wrong — I love my life, but I know I’m a woman of extremes. When I’m back on Kauai, I’m very much a homebody. I don’t “do” a lot (my post school drop off morning walk on the beach, an afternoon spent at my favorite coffee shop here, a beach day with the family there and I’m good).

But that doesn’t mean the wanderlust disappears. I need to channel that shit. We have tons of these city puzzles at home — from Marrakesh to Paris — that bring me a lot of joy to work on and I also love my Paris Street Style adult coloring book, but I’ve realized I could be doing a lot more creatively to fuel my love of adventure even when I’m not actually out there adventuring. Maybe you can relate?

So I figured I’d put together some ideas to get us all started — both working with what we have and then more formal kits for those of us that might need a bit more hand-holding (ahem, me).

A few ideas:

• Make a shadowbox - put photos, ticket stubs, maps, napkins, stickers, coasters, matchbooks, etc. that you collect from your travels.

• Have a fun theme night where you make a recipe and watch a movie or learn a play a game from a specific country or region.

• Make a photo book of your travels — from scratch or with a service like Artifact Uprising.

• Collect fallen leaves or flowers on your trip, press them and make it into a work of art.

• Thrift a jean jacket and add patches collected from your travels.

• Edit a travel video out of your vacation footage — not just for social media, but as something you can look back at years from now.

• Embroider a fabric coaster for each trip so that eventually you have a full set.

• Paint and sip (for one if you want) - paint a still life of the best meal you’ve had while traveling.

• Use the flag colors of the country you last visited to make an abstract quilt. I’m not this crafty, but maybe you are?

• Learn a cultural dance from a place on your bucket list — YouTube has tons of tutorials, but if you live in a city like New York there are endless in-person options.

And now for the slightly crafty ones who work best with some guidance. From a Suminagashi Marbling Kit to an architectural model kit of the Sydney Opera House, here are over 30 creative ways to fuel your wanderlust between trips!

*The Hotel Shortlist is reader-supported. When you buy through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.

Arts & Crafts

• Origami (Japan)

• Suminagashi Marbling Kit (Japan)

• Block Printing (India)

• Tatreez Embroidery Kit (Palestine)

• Tenangos (Otomi) Embroidery (Mexico)

• Pysanky Decorating Kit (Ukraine)

• Rooftops of Paris Embroidery Kit

Color & Draw

• Mediterranean Village Canvas Paint by Numbers Kit

• Paris Street Style Coloring Book

• Italy Paint By Numbers

• National Parks Coloring Book

• The National Parks: A Coloring Book

• Paint By Sticker Travel Book

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Build & Display

• Sydney Opera House Architectural Model Kit

• Lego Himeji Castle

• Statue of Liberty Cardboard 3D Puzzle

Games & Puzzles

• Marrakech 1000 Piece Puzzle

• Gray Malin Nantucket Puzzle

• La Dolce Vita 1000 Piece Puzzle

• Après-Ski 1000 Piece Puzzle

• Watercolor Playing Cards (London, Riviera, New York, Palm Beach, etc.)

• Trekking the World (board game)

• National Parks Trivia

Cook & Drink

• Babka Making Kit

• Mochi Ice Cream Kit

• Fortune Cookie Kit

• Kimchi Making Kit

• Focaccia Art Kit

• Churro Making Kit

For the Kiddos

• Paint By Sticker: Architecture

• Rainbow Llama Kid Craft

• Lego Japan Postcard Set

• Dragon Mosaic Kit - Lunar New Year Edition

• KiwiCo Atlas Crate: Geography Subscription Box

If you just want to go straight to the whole ShopMy list I created, click here.

Do you have any creative ways to keep the adventure going between trips? I’d love to hear!

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

I arrived to the leafy Roma Norte street via taxi, but it took a few moments to get my bearings since the 1915 French-inspired mansion that houses Hotel El Cortés blends so seamlessly into its surroundings you could easily walk right past it. Upon closer inspection, a gold plate on the stone facade with El Cortés inscribed confirmed I was in the right place. But how to get in?

I searched for a call button to no avail, but an employee cleaning the zaguán opened the massive iron gate to let me in. I later learned the gate wasn’t actually locked, I just couldn’t figure out how to open it. My bad. Slightly awkward arrival aside, these intentional choices to remain less hotel and more neighborhood fixture were very much appreciated.

Once inside the small lobby, I was greeted by a staff member wearing what has to be my favorite hotel uniform I’ve yet to encounter — a blue dress and stunning cream cape, complete with a hand-embroidered name tag (men wear chic brown slacks and a cream jacket).

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Dear Hoteliers,

It has come to my attention that some of you don’t actually understand the guest experience. Or maybe you just don’t care. Look, I love hotel design as much as the next gal, and I’ve definitely been guilty of placing an undue amount of attention on said design myself. But the more I refine my hotel palette, the more clarity I gain on the little things most hotels are overlooking. Perhaps someday I’ll put my dream hotel into words, but for today let’s just talk practicalities.

Please find my heretofore unpublished list of 10 hotel wrongs that should be righted below:

1. Hotel Laundry is a Scam - Who in their right mind is paying $26 to get a shirt washed? Couldn’t be me. Now I know I’m in the minority on this one, but I generally pack a carry-on and plan to do laundry if it’s a longer trip. Yes it’s inconvenient to stop at a laundromat for a few hours, but it also gives you a unique lens into a culture you may not otherwise experience. Me and my husband started this “tradition” (really borne of necessity) between our wedding and our mini-moon to Cabo. We needed those clothes for our trip, so off to some Nashville laundromat we went as newlyweds. Nostalgia aside, I would much prefer to have a reasonably priced pick-up/drop-off service (like most major cities have) and pay $25 to have a clean load of laundry waiting for me in my room after a day out. And hotels wouldn’t have to do this in-house. Why not partner with a local laundromat who offers wash and fold services?

2. One Size Fits Most (It Doesn't): Robe Edition - I get that it’s probably a practical issue that hotels either offer one-size-fits-most or a small and a large in the room (which feels very heteronormative, implying there will be a big strong man and a dainty little woman by his side). But I say at the very least they leave a card in the room that lets guest know extended size robes are just a phone call away. Fat people like to lounge around in a fluffy hotel robe too. I’m one of them.

3. Hydration Is A Human Right - Give the people what they want (the three F’s) — free, filtered and flowing water. Fun fact about me: In college I interned at the United Nations Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, specifically on their Year of Freshwater campaign. I firmly believe that clean water is a basic human right. Full stop. And at the prices we’re paying for boutique and luxury hotels in 2026, you at least owe us that. I used to frequent this coffee shop in my neighborhood of LA (shout out to Neighborhood on La Brea) that had a beautiful silver tap for both sparkling and still water. So simple, but also life-altering. My preference would be for in-room water taps, but if that’s too much to ask for, please at least drop off some glass bottles for the room a couple times a day.

4. Wash the Damn Throw Blankets - We all love to cozy up at home with a good throw blanket, so why wouldn’t we want to on vacation? I’ll tell you why — it’s because we assume they haven’t been washed. They, like those nasty ass throw pillows you refuse to eradicate, are just for show and we know it. Might I suggest you wash and roll up a couple throw blankets with a little note (similar to how some hotels give you beach towels and/or a beach bag to use while on property).

5. Ditch the Wall to Wall Carpeting - Have you ever gone to a hotel and thought, wow, I really love the aggressively patterned carpet meant to disguise stains? Neither have I. Bring back hardwood, tile or heck even cement is preferable. Warm it up with a cute little area rug. Generic, dirty ass carpet is not it.

6. Give me Hooks or Give Me Death — No I do not want to share a towel hook with my husband, thanks for asking. For the record, one hook does not a solution make. If we’re really lucky we get two. But that’s where it usually ends. What about elsewhere in the room? For our bags? Our coats? Our hats? We have coat racks at home, why not in a hotel room? Put some cute hooks around the room and make it a design moment. I promise your guests will thank you.

7. Trash the Room - I need more trash cans and not just in the bathroom. Why must I have to shimmy past the toilet to throw away a price tag from the souvenir I just bought? Make them chic if you want, but please put them in multiple places throughout the room.

8. The Scent Situation - Maybe this is a hot take because people genuinely seem to love a signature hotel scent, but I loathe them. Perfume gives me a headache and I avoid the grocery store cleaning aisle at all costs. Pumping fragrance through the HVAC is not the welcome I’m looking for, with the one exception being places with open-air lobbies — like 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay — where the scent feels like a pleasant addition and not an assault to my senses.

9. Got (Oat) Milk? - It’s 2026, and American dairy continues to wreak havoc on a huge chunk of the population’s digestive systems (funny how in Europe I can drink the regular stuff). Not to mention you’re also alienating your vegan guests. Would it really be so difficult to throw us a bone and add in little mini oat/almond/cashew/coconut milk to the mini bar or heck, even a shelf-stable powder or liquid option would be nice. On second thought, after watching that video of the TikTok influencer who posted about washing underwear in the hotel coffee machine, I think I’ll probably just grab my oat milk latte at the lobby coffee shop from now on.

10. The Duvet Problem - Something I wish I could unknow is that hotels aren’t laundering their comforters between guests. An unwashed comforter sandwiched between two sheets does not equal a duvet. And of course, thanks to my true crime obsession I lie awake thinking about how my DNA is in there, commingling with everyone who came before me. Which means that if something goes down in that room a year from now, I could theoretically be named a suspect. I’d never survive being locked up, so please for the love of all things holy — wash the insert AND give us duvet covers that fully zip. Boom. Problem solved.

Sincerely,

A guest who just wants to sleep soundly without worrying about being named a suspect in a future homicide investigation

Hotels spend ungodly amounts of money on renowned interior designers and celebrity chef restaurants, yet somehow can't figure out the hook situation? That’s not hospitality — it’s just lazy. I can’t be the only one with hotel gripes, right? What are your biggest pet peeves? Let me know in the comments!

As always, thanks so much for being here!

~ Ronee

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

Happy June, friends!

It’s officially “summer” over here (aka, Benjiro is out of school), so we’re taking full advantage and have some fun trips planned. Heading to Mexico very soon, which I’m so excited about since I haven’t been in years!

This month's edit is a good one. Lots of new hotel openings, as well as some new-to-me finds. Plus, I'm launching something new: Ask the Concierge. Consider it your excuse to finally get those trip-planning questions out of your head.

In this newsletter:

• A brand making its first foray inland opens in Jackson Hole — yay for Western Maximalism.

• A conservation-led Scottish lodge opening on 100,000 acres (nervous system reset, anyone?).

• And a tiny island billionaire-favorite island in the Grenadines that somehow flew under my radar.

Noted

Travel news worth knowing.

• Tatler Travel shared on Instagram that Bennu, a new dahabeya cruise, will be coming to the Nile.

• Afar shared that Japan will be tripling its Sayonara Tax for tourists (in reality this is roughly $18)

Hotel Openings

Recent or soon-to-open design-led hotels on my radar.

Faraway Jackson Hole - Jackson Hole, Wyoming - United States - Opens June 10, 2026 - Located at the base of Teton Village, this is their first non-coastal property. The brand is known for their story-driven design and this one is no different. The aesthetic is Western Maximalism (is that a thing? if not it should be) — pattern layering, cowhide upholstery used sparingly and an embroidered horse front and center on the pillowcases. It nods to the West, without being overtly Western if that makes sense.

Faraway Sag Harbor - Opens June 4, 2026 - This one faces Sag Harbor Cove and it’s just a quick walk to Main Street. The design is soothing and coastal, but kicked up a notch through pattern mixing, statement pieces (I see you clamshell barstools), the occasional piece of rattan furniture and sage grasscloth wallpaper. Looking at photos of the two properties I see a lot of similarities, but each one feels rooted in place.

Gran Hotel Margalida - Mallorca, Spain - Located in the cliffside village of Banyalbufar, the 29-room boutique hotel is the fifth property from ANNUA Signature Hotels (the group behind César Lanzarote in the Canary Islands). Where César is all about green, Gran Hotel Margalinda is warm and sun-drenched (think soft yellow color palette and cabana stripes).

Henrik’s Hotel - Copenhagen, Denmark - Looks like it opened at the end of April, but I just came across it on Instagram. Boutique hotel close to Tivoli Garden in a building dating back to 1857. It’s got almost an English cottage feel — floral ulpholstered headboards, intricate stairwells and parquet flooring. Not go out of your way for caliber, but a very cute boutique option.

Hope Lodge - Sutherland, Scotland - Opened May 2026 - This is the kind of all-inclusive I can get behind. Set on a 100,000 acre property, the conservation-led Wildland’s latest project is a historic hunting lodge, reimagined. Interiors are cozy, but the environment is rugged (best of both worlds, imo). Your stay includes all meals, nature-infused activities and access to the Clachan (gym, treatment rooms, activities center). Talk about a nervous system reset.

Longlane - West Sussex, England - Opened May 2026 - This is an alcohol-free wellness-focused private members club-slash-hotel. Nature plays a big role here, as does seasonal, farm-to-table food and biohacking. We’re talking cryotherapy, woodland meditation pods and an adaptogentic bar. Sign me up.

New-to-Me

Spaces & places that stopped me mid-scroll and immediately made it into one of my (meticulously-organized) saved folders.

Aurora Farm Hotel - Laugar, Iceland - Found this one while researching for a potential family trip. The family-owned hotel has been slowly converted into a cozy 18-room hotel with a sauna, geothermal hot springs, and farm-to-table food. Hotels here skew too minimalist for my taste, so I love how warm and lived-in this one feels. Plus, animals!

Casa Bosques Pension - Roma Norte, Mexico City - I fear this one might be too cool for me, but I'm obsessed with it anyway. A 10-room artsy boutique hotel tucked above the beloved bookshop Casa Bosques in Roma Norte. If you’re looking for something design-led and don’t need traditional hotel services, this would be a visually inspiring one.

Lilou Hotel - Hyères, France - How am I just discovering this Haussmann-era property on the Côte d'Azur? It’s warm and bohemian (read: tons of rattan) and they have a no-television policy (which could be a deal breaker for some). Charming in the best possible way.

Canoucan Island - My friend Laura is here visiting and has been watching a lot of Below Deck. She just introduced me to this gorgeous little island in St. Vincent’s and the Grenadines. It’s only around three-square-miles and apparently billionaires love it. As for hotels, it’s home to Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, Soho Beach House Canouan and Canouan Estate Resort & Villas. While I’m not normally big on Soho House, in this case it’d be my top choice. Flight are around $600 round trip from Barbados so it’s not wildly prohibitive to get to.

Lately

Recent travels, current obsessions, and everything in between.

Having a friend stay has been a fun excuse to break free from my usual routine on island. We obviously had to hit up a couple of my favorites: Trilogy Coffee for the best avocado toast you’ll ever put in your mouth and Nourish for their farm-to-fork salads and wraps. Laura also wanted to check out some vegan eats on island so today we stopped in Vegetate (she loved their vegan musubi, fyi).

I’m headed to Mexico in a couple days! First for a little solo trip to Mexico City and a little hacienda R&R while Jeff and Benjiro visit his mom on the East Coast and then we’re all meeting up to explore San Miguel de Allende together. It’ll be my first time to this area of Mexico, so I’m excited to take it all in! I found the hacienda through a photographer I follow on Instagram and it was love at first sight for this place so I have really high hopes. Will share all about it after I return! Also going to try out a new boutique hotel in CDMX that just opened last month so excited to share how that goes as well.

Haven’t read anything new this month, but hoping to remedy that during my travels. As for what I’m watching, it’s mostly been my comfort shows (Grace and Frankie right now), but Laura just introduced me to this horror-slash-comedy called Widow’s Bay on Apple+ so I’ll let you know what I think of that next month.

What are you reading and/or watching?

Ask the Concierge

Your travel questions, answered.

New this month!

I’m guilty of severely underusing the hotel concierge — and maybe you are too? Let’s change that. I’ll be the concierge and you ask me your travel-related questions.

Got a trip you’re planning and having decision paralysis? Ask me. Want a kid-friendly hotel that’s also beautiful and luxurious? I got you. Looking for the best shave ice on Kauai? I got you.

Leave your questions in the comments and I’ll answer them in next month’s edit. And if you’re shy, I totally get it (cause, same!) — just hit reply to this email or DM me on Instagram. You can totally be anonymous.

And in honor of Pride Month, here’s a fun little ShopMy edit I made with some Queer-Owned brands (to support year-round):

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

I can’t remember exactly when the road changed, but it must have been gradual. One minute we were cruising down the A63 past Bordeaux, and the next we were surrounded by pine forest, making the slow crawl through La Teste-de-Buch alongside other French people headed out on holiday. Our destination: Pyla-sur-Mer on Arcachon Bay, and the Philippe Starck-designed Hotel Ha(a)ïtza.

Before our three-week trip to France last summer, I’d never given much thought to this little corner of the country — so here’s a little background. Pyla-sur-Mer sits on the Atlantic coast, on Arcachon Bay opposite Cap Ferret, and has long been a favorite holiday spot among the French. It’s also home to Europe’s tallest dune, Dune du Pilat, a massive half-kilometer-wide mountain of sand.

If you’re a fan of Philippe Starck, there are two addresses here to know, both 1930s neo-Basque-style properties: La Co(o)rniche (redesigned in 2010) and Hotel Ha(a)ïtza right down the road (which followed in 2016). Both are owned by William and Sylvie Techoueyres.

If La Co(o)rniche is the flashy older sister, Ha(a)ïtza is the quieter one with Wind Beneath My Wings energy (content to let her shine). I witnessed this firsthand when we had lunch at La Co(o)rniche. I loved the design and its enviable location right next to the dune, but it felt more sceney. I’d actually looked into staying at both hotels, but Ha(a)ïtza won out on price and in retrospect I’m glad it did.

Ha(a)ïtza has just 38 rooms and suites, and its restaurants are the heartbeat of the place. The crowd felt more local, with groups of French families and friends dining al fresco long into the evening. Much more my speed.

Read on for what it’s like to stay at Hôtel Ha(a)ïtza:

*All photos my own unless otherwise credited.

Give me the one-liner:

Philippe Starck design meets 1930s neo-Basque architecture at this luxury hideaway in France’s Pyla-sur-Mer.

How did we get here?

During our three-week France trip last summer, my son and I took a little one-night trip here so my husband could have some uninterrupted work time back at our Airbnb.

Let’s talk design, shall we?

On Philippe Starck's website, he describes Ha(a)ïtza as "…neither cute, nor charming, but chic and cosmopolite. Everything here is 'artistic'." I tend to agree, with the exception of the patisserie — with its whitewashed walls and floral fabrics — which felt both cute and charming. Each room in the hotel has a distinct personality. The lobby-slash-boutique feels eclectic, bordering on surrealist. The bar feels more European with its ceiling mural, carved antique armoire, and emerald green tiles that look almost like liquid. I couldn't help but make the connection to the iconic green tiles at Le Sirenuse. And the rooms reminded me of San Francisco's The Clift hotel during its Ian Schrager era, also designed by Starck. I loved the neo-Basque architecture and the fun pops of color the stained glass added. While not everything was my preferred design style, I really enjoyed the experience from a design perspective — there was always something interesting to look at.

Rooms & Suites

Ha(a)ïtza has 38 keys — from their entry-level Classic Room to a full Apartment. Benjiro and I shared what I believe was a Deluxe Room with Terrace, and while I enjoyed the look, the practicality of its design left a lot to be desired. The bed takes up most of the room. Behind it, a glass partition leads to the bathroom and doubles as the backsplash for the sink. Behind that are two frosted glass doors leading to a separate toilet room and shower. So while you technically have some bathroom privacy, there isn’t an enclosed changing area because the bathroom and bedroom connect visually. I hate when hotel rooms are designed like this. It was doable with a six-year-old, but I imagine it would make for a super awkward experience depending on who you’re sharing the room with. If privacy is a concern, definitely consider booking a Suite or above.

Something else worth noting: there is a mirrored ceiling above the bed. Benjiro loved the novelty, but it felt a little cheesy.

The balcony made the space feel slightly less claustrophobic and was roomy with both a daybed and a bistro table. The caveat is that on the second floor, what you actually have is one long shared balcony with partitions between rooms, so your neighbor is closer than you’d expect. Higher floors have proper separate balconies, which would make a real difference.

In conclusion: the rooms aren’t ideal, but can be improved by choosing strategically.

Amenities & Experiences

The pool is arguably the social centerpiece of Ha(a)ïtza. While technically an indoor pool, its retractable glass roof was partially opened, offering beautiful views of the surrounding pine trees. It's lively and social, with guests lounging poolside alongside children playing. While not kid-forward, families are welcome and we were never out of place (despite being American). I didn't make it to the gym or spa during my stay — solo parenting — but the gym overlooks the pool and seemed popular, and the spa offers four CODAGE treatment rooms, a sauna, a nail bar, and a salon.

How about the food?

For a relatively small property, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to food at Ha(a)ïtza. As soon as you step off the sidewalk onto the property you’re greeted with the Brasserie’s outdoor patio, which spills out from the hotel. It was never overly crowded, but depending on the time of day it was lively and guests really seemed to be enjoying themselves. It’s a tossup whether this or the pool was the heart of the hotel.

Le Skiff Club is their two Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant helmed by chef Stéphane Carrade, Brasserie Ha(a)ïtza is their main restaurant and also where you can eat on said patio, Café Ha(a)ïtza serves relaxed bistro fare and is located across from the hotel, Bar Ha(a)ïtza serves cocktails and tapas at the bar, by the pool, or in the lounge, and Pâtisserie de Famille is the spot for the most beautiful pastries and treats.

We ate breakfast by the pool, lunch and dinner on the patio of Brasserie Ha(a)ïtza, and had a farewell treat at the Pâtisserie de Famille. Everything was not only delicious, but it’s clear they take the artful presentation — and branding — of their food very seriously. I noticed their stylized (A!) logo multiple times: on small chocolate plaques placed delicately atop pastries, as well as on the welcome cookies waiting for us in our room. I’m not sure I’ve ever stayed somewhere that does this, and it was a really fun touch that made the culinary experiences feel remarkably cohesive.

Things to Note

While Ha(a)ïtza is technically a block from the water, Plage Ha(a)ïtza left a lot to be desired. It’s essentially a massive concrete slab with a tiny sliver of sand and stairs down to the water. It was pretty popular, but if a proper beach is what you’re after, there are others in the region that are better suited for lounging.

Standouts

• The quality and breadth of culinary offerings is unmatched, particularly for a property of this size. The restaurants draw both guests and locals, which is always a good sign.

• The “indoor” pool with retractable roof offers the best of both worlds. You get the outside views, but can retreat to the shade and easily grab a drink or snack from the nearby bar.

• The artistic stylized branding makes the hotel feel cohesive and chic.

Overall Impression

If you’re looking for a hotel that feels less like you’re vacationing with Americans in France and more like you’re holidaying alongside actual French people, this is your spot. It’s chic and design-forward, while still feeling welcoming. And it’s immediately surrounded by gorgeous neo-Basque-style holiday homes — think whitewashed exteriors, exposed timber detailing in fun pops of color and arched windows.

I obviously can’t be sure, but it very much seemed like the kind of hotel people return to year after year. While the rooms left a lot to be desired, I’d stay again in a heartbeat. It was a really cool experience and a fun overnight introduction to this well-loved holiday destination of the French.

Where should I research next? Drop it in the comments (and hit the ❤️ while you’re at it as it helps my work get discovered).

Thanks so much for being here!

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

I was this close to booking us a family trip to the Faroe Islands this summer, but we pivoted at the last minute. Cue tears of longing.

The Faroe Islands has been on my radar for some time. Dramatic cliffs plunging into the North Atlantic. Turf-roofed houses. The sheep. A landscape so green and saturated it looks like it could be a screensaver. The more I researched, the more I realized that to fully enjoy this beautiful corner of the world I’d need to plan further ahead than a few weeks — especially in the height of summer during their high season. So we pivoted to Mexico since we’ll already be in California visiting family.

As you know, decision paralysis is a frequent issue of mine when it comes to my own trips. There are just so many amazing places in the world to see. How can one be expected to choose?

But just because we’re not going (yet!), doesn’t mean all my research has to go to waste. Somebody needs to take this trip. Will it be you?

Read more

That’s the good stuff.

So today officially kicks off my series: 10 Rooms or Less. This is where I find those small hotels/inns/guesthouses/farm stays/b&b’s and even the occasional Airbnbs (I know, blasphemous). The places that are run with heart. With soul. And of course, incredible design.

The places that truly stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Welcome to 10 Rooms or Less.

First up, Portugal.

I've curated a shortlist of ten hotels and four villas spanning the country — from the dune-lined beaches of Comporta to the Alentejo countryside.

Hope you enjoy!

Pensão Agrícola - Tavira, Portugal

My husband and I stayed at Pensão Agrícola during a road trip through Portugal in 2017 (full check-in here) and it was my very first introduction to the beauty that is a small, soulful hotel. I still remember the feeling of wandering the house, admiring every collected detail — being cozied up in the corner of the farmhouse, enjoying a homemade candlelit meal, walks through the wildflowers to visit Ernesto, the resident donkey. They’ve since added A Hospedaria — a five-room inn with a similar design sensibility — to their portfolio.

Dá Licença - Estremoz, Portugal

The Alentejo’s Dá Licença is less boutique hotel and more work of art. In addition to the art-filled hotel, with works from the owners’ own collection, there’s also an art gallery housed in the property’s original olive press. As if that weren’t enough of a reason to book, they fully lean into the town’s extensive white marble quarries (think bathtubs hand-carved from solid local stone). When you’re not admiring the actual art, views of the surrounding Serra d’Ossa forest are essentially like viewing a painting of the rural idyll come to life.

Santa Clara 1728 - Lisbon, Portugal

There's no shortage of good hotels in Lisbon, but Santa Clara 1728 — from Silent Living — offers a place that's meant to feel like home. The beautifully restored 18th century building provides a serene retreat across its six suites, yes — but it also comes with spaces meant for sharing. Case in point: the six-meter custom oak dining table for dining with fellow guests. Its location between the Alfama and Graça neighborhoods doesn't hurt either. But when it really comes down to it, I’d book for a soak in that limestone bathtub alone.

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Walking up the steps that cut through the mist-wrapped forest to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine was like something out of a dream. What made it even better was that it wasn’t packed with the throngs of tourists you might encounter at say, Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. I haven’t actually been to the latter, but I’ve seen photos and they were enough to scare me away.

I haven’t shared a ton of my personal trips on here (outside of hotel stays) because they didn’t really fit in with a newsletter called “The Hotel Shortlist,” but as I explained in my post, From The Hotel Shortlist to Idyll, I felt like I was self-censoring. Maybe my trips are of interest beyond the hotels? Maybe other introverts will take to solo traveling. Maybe other moms will push through the guilt and take the trip.

When I planned my family’s 10ish day trip to Japan last spring, I knew we wanted to experience a slower side of the country. None of us love crowds. Does anybody really love crowds? My husband Jeff and I tend to gravitate toward relaxed, unhurried destinations. Give us a slow morning, a stroll through some genuinely awe-inspiring nature (notice I didn’t say strenuous hike/trek) or a lazy day in the water and long, locally-sourced meals and we’re happy. We’re generally not focused on seeing the sights, but rather just bathing in the culture. But I wanted to take my son’s needs into account, so on this trip we peppered in more kid-centric activities than usual.

Our road trip through Kyushu was a short four days, but I think to really do it properly you should probably give yourself at least a couple weeks. So consider this just a little appetizer.

We flew into the Fukuoka Airport from Miyakojima where we’d recouped for a blissful few nights at Okinawa’s Rosewood Miyakojima. We spent our first night at Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen, which was surprisingly great. It was super clean and honestly kind of great to get a glimpse of how an “average” Japanese family might travel. I know what you’re thinking — this is not your usual type of hotel — and you’d be (mostly) right. Maybe someday I’ll go into this, but one of the ways we “save” money on trips is by bookending our trips with low cost hotels (usually near the airport). Since we truly were going to just be sleeping at most of these places I decided to save money on the in-between nights and put that money towards a really nice ryokan stay at the end. Girl math. As long as the place was clean, I was willing to suck it up and forgo my usual luxury hotel leanings.

The next morning we stopped at Uprifit Shimojyuku which was almost right outside the hotel. It has a MilkBrew Coffee and fun shop inside, and a big grass lawn with seating outside.

Next we went to the star of the show, which was Mifuneyama Rakuen. It’s essentially an expansive botanical garden that I’d read would be a beautiful spot to see the cherry blossoms. The blossoms were not yet in full bloom, but we did get so see some and they were gorgeous. The perfect spot to get some wiggles out and wander. Highly recommend!

Next we stopped at the Mifuneyam Rakuen Hotel for their teamLab pop-up. It was super small (like 2 rooms), so while kind of fun to see, it was a bit of a let down and we didn’t stay long. I’d say skip this one.

We continued on to Yanagawa, which is a super cool canal town that reminded me a lot of Venice (California). A lot of the businesses were closed by the time we got there, but we did manage to make it in time to do a boat ride down the canals. It was cold and rainy, so not the most ideal conditions for a boat ride, but overall we loved this little town. Highly recommend!

We spent the night at Solest Takachiho Hotel because it was close to the entrance of our next stop, which was Takachiho Gorge. The hotel was very basic, which I knew going in, but even so I wouldn’t recommend this one.

The next morning we got up bright and early to ride the row boats in Takachiho Gorge, but unfortunately it had rained super hard and they closed them for the day. The rain was a bummer for a couple reasons, 1) no boats and 2) the normally emerald green water was brown due to the rain runoff. It was still gorgeous and there was a lot to see. There’s a paved walkway that goes along the gorge which was lovely to walk, so it’s not just a pull over to a viewpoint and snap a few photos kind of spot. On the way out we stopped by a little food stall and tried the yaki-dango (Japanese dumplings) that are grilled over charcoal then brushed with a savory sauce. So good.

Next came my favorite spot, the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. It was one of the most surreal and hauntingly beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The torii gate framing the stairway. The mist hanging over the cypress trees. The moss-covered lanterns. I actually didn’t even go into the actual shrine, but just took in the peaceful atmosphere. Highly, highly recommend.

Our next stop was Yufuin, which is an adorable onsen town located at the base of Mount Yufu. While there is a lake (Lake Kinrinko), it’s super tiny and I think if you go in expecting an actual lake you’ll be a bit disappointed. But that’s not why we went. The charming Yunotsubo Kaido Street has a Snoopy Village with a Snoopy Cha-Ya (sit-down restaurant), Woodstock Nest (cafe with sweets) and Snoopy Chocolat (chocolate shop), plus souvenir shops. There was a wait for the restaurant, so we just grabbed ice cream from Woodstock Nest and hit the gift shops. Benjiro was big into Snoopy at the time so he loved it, and honestly — same! The street has tons of fun little themey shops, restaurants and food stalls. It was one of the more crowded spots we went to in Kyushu, but it’s small and easy to manage. There’s also an adorable Miffy Forest Café on the street, which I popped into.

That night we stayed at Kamenoi Besso, our splurge ryokan (full write-up here). It’s a luxury ryokan that feels super authentic. Loved having an in-room onsen as well as an incredible traditional kaiseki dinner served in our suite. Another one I’d highly recommend.

And for the grand finale, we went to Harmonyland, which is the Sanrio (aka Hello Kitty) character amusement park. I actually got emotional here because I loved Hello Kitty as a child and it felt super nostalgic. We obviously got matching Hello Kitty headbands, which we still have. The whole place was so freakin’ cute and of course Benjiro loved it. We all did. Great end to our very whirlwind road trip through Kyushu.

I feel like we barely scratched the surface here and I’d love to go back (Benjiro wants to return just for Harmonyland). I really wanted to stop at the fruit-shaped bus stops in Nagasaki, but we didn’t have time. I guess we’ll just have to plan another trip!

Have you been to Japan? What was your favorite spot?

Thanks so much for reading!!

~Ronee

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

Hi Friends!

If you missed last week’s news, I decided to change my Substack publication name from The Hotel Shortlist to Idyll. Am I low key freaking out that I made a huge mistake? Of course — I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t. But if I’ve learned anything from therapy, it’s that you’ve got to sit with those uncomfortable emotions. So here I am, sitting with the discomfort.

Welcome to the second installment of my monthly edit, where I share travel news, hotel openings, new-to-me spaces that caught my eye as well as what’s going on in my world (trips on the horizon, life on Kauai, lifestyle stuff, etc.). This is quickly becoming my favorite kind of post to write. I think I love that it’s less “editorial” than a lot of my roundups and it feels more like we’re friends catching up. Maybe that’s a signal that I’m craving more of a conversational tone around here. Probably, huh? Also, if you haven’t noticed I very much love “collecting” and “grouping” things, so maybe it speaks to that as well.

I didn’t put April’s edit behind a paywall since it was my first in the series, but a girl’s gotta eat. I’m not good at the salesy stuff, but this newsletter does require a ton of work each week, so behind a paywall this goes.

In this newsletter:

• A really good suite dedicated to a fashion icon debuts in the Scottish Highlands.

• Not one, but two charming boutique openings in Cap-Ferret, France.

• And a new-to-me barefoot-luxury beachfront stay in Bahia that I can’t stop thinking about.

OK, let’s get to the fun stuff.

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Hi friends!

After a year and a half of writing The Hotel Shortlist, I’ve been doing some thinking. Okay fine, more than just some.

The name has served me well. Truly. The trust that so many of you have placed in me means more than I can properly put into words. Though if I’m being completely honest, the name has started to feel like a box I’ve outgrown. And if you know anything about me, you know I do not like to feel trapped.

Nobody puts Ronee in a corner.

Each time I get the urge to write about something different I find myself hesitating. Is this The Hotel Shortlist? The answer is usually no, so I inevitably end up self-censoring. If you go back to one of my first posts — Ode to a Hotel Stripe — that felt fun to write. But somehow I’ve drifted away from the playful and started writing through the lens of: what are my subscribers expecting of me?

I don’t want that. And I’m guessing you don’t either. It’s a fine line to walk when people are paying for your work. But Substack is different — or at least it should be. Self-publishing means I’m not beholden to anyone. So why am I censoring myself?

Enter Idyll.

An idyll is a type of poem — but it also describes a moment. One of such complete happiness and peace that the rest of the world falls away. That's what I'm chasing every time I travel, and exactly what I hope to give you here.

Not that every moment of travel is objectively beautiful. It’s not. It’s often so very messy. But the space that I hold when I travel — that’s the beautiful part. The gratitude for moments that don’t need anything but your attention. I’m slowly getting better at doing this in my daily life, but travel is often when I feel it most.

The most alive. The most whole. The most content.

I’ve always been interested in traveling artfully. In noticing the little things. The way shadows dance on a wall when the light hits just right. The feeling of slipping on a hotel robe and deciding that room service is a completely valid dinner (it is). Waking up early (when I’m not the morning-est of persons), feeling some combination of childlike joy and the specific kind of contentment you get from watching the light change as the sun rises over an unfamiliar landscape.

It’s not always the exact location that matters (although sometimes it is), but moreso what I want to experience when I’m there. For me that often does start with a particular hotel I can envision myself in. But not always. Sometimes it’s a particular moment in life. Sometimes it’s a reaction to that moment. And sometimes I’ve romanticized the hell out of a place so much that I just neeeeeeeeed to experience it in person.

When I stopped to think about what I’m actually chasing when I travel, I realized that a lot of times it’s a feeling.

• Do I want to feel relaxed and carefree, enjoying fresh, locally-sourced meals and afternoons floating in the sea?

• Do I want to feel cozy and slightly nostalgic — kind of like a warm hug or an old sweatshirt?

• Do I want to feel connected? With spaces for snuggling up, preparing meals or gathering around a fire pit?

• Do I want to feel the particular joy of watching my son experience something for the first time?

• Do I want to feel visually inspired and creatively fueled?

• Do I want to feel pampered and looked after?

• Do I want a true break? Where things feel easy and I have almost zero decisions to make?

• Do I want to feel childlike joy? Do I want to frolic?

• Do I want to feel awe? To be surrounded by nature so vast it shifts my perspective, quietly reminding me where I stand in this universe.

• Or do I just want to be surrounded by sumptuous, eclectic interiors? To pretend like I’m living in my own Pinterest board?

• Do I want to feel romantic? Where even the walk back to the room feels like it deserves a film score.

• Do I want to wrap myself in a cozy robe and luxuriate on a four-poster bed, imagining I’m royalty?

• Do I want to feel wild and free? And let myself be carried away on an adventure?

• Or maybe like I’m an intrepid explorer?

• Do I want to feel creative, letting the words flow while I hole up somewhere with a beautiful desk and an equally idyllic view?

• Or do I simply want to feel still, grounded and at peace?

None of that fits neatly into a shortlist. But all of it comes from the same place — the belief that where you are shapes how you feel.

So what will Idyll actually look like?

• All things hotels — destination roundups, hotel-inspired design features, etc.

• Design and sensory-led travel guides

• Personal essays

• Interviews with travelers, hoteliers, interior designers, etc.

• More of my screenwriting background creeping in — maybe some movie-inspired travel guides?

• And of course, room for whatever I haven’t thought of yet

Just to be clear — my hotel coverage isn’t disappearing. Hotels will always be at the heart of this newsletter. The curatorial eye, the obsession with design and beautiful places, the shortlisted hotel content to inspire your trip planning. That’s not going anywhere.

The lens is just widening.

Thank you so much for being here. And as always, I sincerely hope you’ll stick around.

Ronee

Some moms get a homemade card. Some get brunch. Some even get wilted grocery store flowers as an afterthought. But I think the moms who raised us through our television screens deserve something extra special. So in honor of this upcoming Mother’s Day, I’ve taken the liberty of playing travel advisor to some of the most iconic mothers in entertainment history. You’re welcome, ladies.

Moira Rose - Schitt’s Creek

As a former soap star on the fictional Sunrise Bay, Moira Rose has a flair for the dramatic, so she’ll require a hotel with just as much razzle dazzle. It should be a grand European address worthy of her “legacy.” And one where she can make an entrance. An amazing hotel bar for holding court is clearly a non-negotiable. As is ample closet space for her substantial wig collection. Oh and she’ll want guests to recognize her. When they inevitably don’t, she find it simultaneously insulting and incredibly motivating.

• Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli - Lake Garda, Italy - An iconic estate with a boat arrival — say less.

• Le Negresco - Nice, France - French grandeur and theatrical interiors — a legend just like Moira.

• The Ritz Paris - Paris, France - Coco Chanel called it home for 34 years, so I know Moira would approve.

Vivian Banks - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Perfectly pressed pantsuit, shoulder pads on point. Let’s face it, the original Vivian Banks was an icon. And the glue that held the Banks family together. An intellectual to her core, the Philadelphia raised, UCLA educated literature professor was warm and polished, yet fierce. I’ll never forget when she showed up at Carlton and Will’s academy to school those prep school boys at Black American history. She’s not just looking for any luxury hotel. It has to have depth.

• Half Moon - Montego Bay, Jamaica - Black-owned beachfront luxury escape, managed by the inimitable Sheila Johnson.

• Guild House Hotel - Philadelphia, United States - Founded by a Philadelphia abolitionist to educate and empower working women.

• The Balmoral - Edinburgh, Scotland - Landmark hotel at the heart of the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.

Sophia Petrillo - The Golden Girls

Picture it — Palermo, 1906. The sharp-tongued octogenarian and mother of Dorothy Zbornak was known for her wisecracks, but she could also always be counted on for some sage advice in the form of an elaborate story. She loved to regale the girls with tales of her days in Sicily — including more than a few hints at possible mob ties. I think she's earned a trip back to the homeland and as far away from the Shady Pines nursing home as possible.

• Villa Igea - Palermo, Sicily - The storied waterfront palazzo in the city she was born in is only fitting for our golden girl.

• Baglio Occhipinti - Ragusa, Sicily - A 17th-century farmhouse on an organic vineyard and olive estate. Very back to her roots.

• Silversea Mediterranean Cruise - Intimate ships and an older demographic perfect for the girls. Add in a Sicilian port stop and we’re golden (see what I did there).

Lorelai Gilmore - Gilmore Girls

Fast-talking, free-spirited and fiercely independent. Growing up in a world of privilege, Lorelai's move to Stars Hollow was born out of both necessity and rebellion. She doesn't want a fancy resort; in fact she’d hate it. As the owner of a charming inn, she obviously has her standards. She’d want character and something with the familiarity of an old sweater (the more Stars Hollow-coded, the better). Oh and a walkable small town with excellent coffee is a given.

• Mayflower Inn & Spa - Washington, Connecticut - The inspiration behind it all. This is where showrunner Amy Sherman-Palladino stayed before she penned the show’s pilot, so you know I had to include it.

• The Weston - Weston, Vermont - Yes it’s luxury and from the same family behind The Carlyle, but its also cozy and charming. Bonus points for being on Main Street.

• Pitcher Inn - Warren, Vermont - Each room at this cozy village inn is unique, but The Colonial Room is the most Lorelai-coded.

Lucille Bluth - Arrested Development

She's a manipulative narcissist who never met a martini she didn’t like and certainly isn't bringing home a mother of the year award — but that's what makes this exercise fun. With a penchant for chemical peels and an affinity for old money prestige, Lucille Bluth needs a legendary bar and a spa capable of reversing whatever it is she refuses to discuss. Discretion is obviously mandatory.

• Cal-a-Vie - Vista, CA - She’d have this French Provençal wellness spa within driving distance from Newport Beach on speed dial.

• Canyon Ranch Lenox - Lenox, United States - Gilded Age mansion in the Berkshires with old money energy.

• Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa - Baden-Baden, Germany - Medical grade treatments in Europe’s most prestigious spa town.

Donna Sheridon - Mamma Mia

Admittedly, I’ve only seen the movie with Meryl Streep, but let’s go with it. Former lead singer of Donna and the Dynamos, Donna runs the charming Villa Donna inn on the fictional island of Kalokairi — inspired by the real island of Skopelos — where she raised Sophie. A creative to the core, she’ll need something intimate and soulful where she can be welcomed in as the guest for once.

• Nikolaou Residence - Aegina, Greece - An art-forward guest house in the former home of Greek painter Nikos Nikolaou. You can even visit his atelier.

• Pagostas Guest House - Chora, Patmos - Guests are welcomed like family at this three-room 16th-century hilltop guesthouse.

• Mèlisses - Andros, Greece - Gorgeous interiors, outstanding views and meals lovingly prepared by your host from produce plucked from the on-site organic garden. Plus, creative retreats for things like perfumery and papermaking. Seriously plotting a visit for myself…

And if you can’t send your mom on a vacation, here’s a fun little edit inspired by the sea. I’ve been going HAM on ShopMy creating lots of fun collections — kind of like I used to with the OG Pinterest. So if you’re in the mood to browse…

Shop the full edit here.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me! This was a fun one to write.

Ronee

Follow along on Instagram & TikTok for more or browse my handpicked recs on ShopMy.

As you pass through the gates of Saint James Paris the city seems to disappear. Its stately 19th-century mansion, sculptural fountain and impeccably manicured gardens have a way of doing that. You might think you’ve stepped onto a private country estate, but if you were to zoom out you’d find you’re firmly planted in the heart of Paris’ 16th arrondissement.

But that’s just part of the picture. While the exterior naturally draws you in, it’s the interiors that will stop you cold. Designer Laura Gonzalez’ spaces are the antidote to the buttoned-up, white-glove luxury hotel playbook. They’re unapologetically maximalist, mixing bold patterns and carnival-esque fabrics with rich millwork and intricate trim — resulting in a hotel that feels both youthful and incredibly chic at the same time.

But that’s by design. Saint James Paris is both a luxury hotel and a private members club — think Estelle Manor, but more intimate — and its spaces are built for slowing down and socializing. It’s grand, but playful. The kind of hotel I’d happily go out of my way for. Which is exactly why it’s been on my list for years.

Read on for what it’s like to stay at Saint James Paris.

*All photos by me unless otherwise credited.

Give me the one-liner:

Chic maximalism set within a storied 19th-century mansion in Paris' 16th arrondissement — the city's only château hotel.

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