Dervla Louli Musgrave's Hong Kong Hotlist

Based in Hong Kong, founder + Editor-in-Chief of CompareRetreats.com, a luxury well-being retreat discovery platform for the world’s leading wellness destinations, Dervla Louli Musgrave has an impeccable personal style + unique flair when it comes to what should be on your hot list when planning your next trip. Here she shares her favourites for city she, her husband + new baby boy call home..

Best cocktail spot? // Please Don’t Tell

Breakfast? // Bakehouse

Brunch? // Duddells

Dinner? // Yardbird

Date night spot? // Zuma

Girls night out? // Soho House

Museum? // HK Museum of History

Gallery? // Not a gallery but Soho House is full of local art that I love

Artist? // Wilson Shieh

Exercise class? // Family Forme by Lindsay Jang

Yoga studio? // PURE

Hotel? // The Upper House Suites, Four Seasons for the pool, St. Regis for restaurants, Mandarin Oriental for ambiance + Peninsula Heritage for the experiences.

Hidden gem? // Yuet Tung China Works

Weekend escape? // Tai Tam and a chilled boat day

Working Out in London

T H E L O U I S A D R A K E M E T H O D

Although one can’t quite avoid taking note of the fact that she’s trained stars like Gwyneth Paltrow + Victoria Beckham Louisa Drake is much more than just celebrity trainer made famous by her client list. As a dancer, choreographer + expert trainer, Drake is now an authority in her own unique method, a mix of all her years of movement. Her combination of multiple disciplines brought The Louisa Drake Method to life + people can’t get enough. Merging all the best parts of dance, yoga, pilates barre she has created a full body workout which thoughtfully targets exact muscle groups to ensure a longer, leaner + stronger form. Her boutique offering, located in her delightful Fitzrovia studio where you can be sure to find Louisa herself often leading the classes, is sure to put you through your paces + leave you ready for whatever the day throws your way. 

BOOK // louisadrake.com

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B A R R Y’ S

In a word, Barry’s is K.I.L.L.E.R. Killer as in the most insane ass-kicking workout you can do, in any city you might find yourself in (they have locations all over the planet now). Working from the second you step inside the Red Room to the second you leave, the session is different every time with a focus on a different body area each day of the week. However what remains the same is the treadmill to weights format and the fact that whether it’s your first time or your a Barry’s seasoned pro, you will leave on a naturally occurring endorphin induced high - not to mention a stiff and sore body (in all the good ways though of course). My favorite London location has to be the London Central or London East.

BOOK // barrysbootcamp.com

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S O U L C Y C L E

From city to city, SoulCycle is a go-to staple in the life of anyone who moves on the regular. A workout of sweaty proportions, this bike based session is build to make you feel like you’re on the night out of a lifetime - the music is loud + absolutely vibe-ing, the lights are low + moody, the instructors are hot AF + the experience is a whole entire thing. It’s all about peddling your way to an inner happiness + the body of a SoulCycle-r. The London outpost is situated in Soho + a definite scene..

BOOK // soul-cycle.com

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B O D Y B Y S I M O N E

Created by Aussie trainer + dance extraordinaire Simone De La Ru, Body by Simone, known as BBS to those in it’s ‘inner circle’, is a favourite of major celebrities like Reee Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Karlie Kloss, Sandra Bullock and of course Chrissy Teigen. BBS consists of five class varieties, including Dance Cardio, Trampoline Cardio, ABC (Arms, Back and Core), HTB (Hips, thighs and Buns) and Full body. No matter the class or the location, any of the signature classes are the perfect time to leave all your inhibitions at the door and get your sweat on, dancing your way through the graceful and powerful BBS method. 

BOOK // bodybysimone.com

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H O U S E O F V O G A

Voga is like nothing you’ve ever tried. Trust me, it’s the dream workout + perhaps one of the only styles of movement that you look + feel as fabulous doing it as you do in your head. Taking the core elements of yoga + merging them with fabulosity of vogueing, Voga is all about channeling your inner goddess + getting your body flowing. Voga was by Juliet Murrell, a successful set designer in the fashion, film + design industry who qualified as a yoga instructor in 2011 to restore her natural energy levels, which had been depleted by post-viral chronic fatigue + if ever there was an inspiration to get your ass moving, Juliet’s class is it! With trained instructors across the globe from London, Paris, Barcelona and Ibiza to New York, Rio, Buenos Aires, Edinburgh + Mexico City, you can be sure that catching a Voga class in London you’ll get all the feels of what it’s meant to feel like to workout. V fab! 

BOOK // houseofvoga.com

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Image Credits 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Where to Stay.. The London Edit

T H E L O N D O N E D I T I O N

Primely situated on the edge of Soho and just a seven-minute walk from Oxford Circus, The London EDITION is a faultless blend of edgy elegance. The brainchild of American entrepreneur Ian Schrager, the once co-founder of Studio 54, it’s a bucket list London stay that doesn’t disappoint. Upon stepping inside, one is left somewhat open-mouthed at the splendour of the lobby. Swiftly captured by the sheer opulence, it’s a room within itself, doubling as a meeting space come day or night with it’s statement, low-lit bar and stylish seating area. A destination of sorts, the hotel conquers the quintessential magnificence of London with it’s social hub spirit. Rooms at The Edition are a minimalist affair; one that lovers of contemporary interiors will really appreciate. Cosy in a chalet way, the rooms are a true escape.

The London Edition is a new generation of luxury with an attainable feel at the heart of exactly what makes London have that London feel. 

Rooms from £288 per night // Reserve at editionhotels.com

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T H E S T A N D A R D

If you know, you know and knowing starts and ends at the Standard’s latest addition in London. With existing locations in New York, California and, now, the Maldives, The Standard’s British outpost was it’s first outside the the US, opening in 2019. It has quickly and undoubtedly become thee place to wake up to and party at till the lights go down for those who know. 

Founded by hotelier André Balazs - who’s other properties include Chiltern Firehouse in London, The Mercer in New York City, and Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles - the Standard is located directly across from King’s Cross Station, towering above Euston Road. Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex the building boasts a very distinct Brutalist architecture of the 1970’s. Inside too plays homage to those 70’s vibes. Designed by Shawn Hausman, with the aim to be in complete contrast to the greyness of London, visitors are treated to bright red ceilings met with striped wooden walls in the ground-level offerings and can treat themselves to any of the many themed areas specifically designed to lounge around in. 

The lobby lounge with its library setting plays homage to the buildings original use where the Sounds studio (yes the hotel’s VERY own recording studio) holds weekly talks and live music. Next door to the lounge is the now infamous Double Standard bar, headed up by executive chef Adam Rawson where guests can expect a casual - yet always cool - drinks and dining experience. Also part of the hotel’s restaurant offerings is Isla, also headed up by Rawson and the recently launched Decimo by Michelin-starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias who merges the Spanish cuisine of his family with his deep love of Mexico, created for his first ever London restaurant. 

The rooms are witty, in a sense playfully lighthearted - they are bright (AF) and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. From the typical London small to suite size, there’s something common to all and it’s the outlandish swanky kitsch vibes - think curved walls, retro style lighting, bold Wallace Sewell geometric-patterned bedspreads, deep blue carpets and the bathrooms which are adorned with pink-and-black tiled walls. It’s V seventies without fail. 

Whether you’re there to stay or just to play, The Standard London is the absolute chic!

Rooms from £198 per night // Reserve at standardhotels.com

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T H E N E D

This 11-floor hotel and member’s club bares some family resemblance to it’s founders now infamous ability to create a vibe with each new Soho House opening.. however, The Ned is really it’s own thing. Mature and more decidedly grown-up than it’s younger, party-lover counterparts, it’s Edwardian grandeur plays into a more opulent clientele looking for London glamour at it’s absolute best!

The £200 million creation took four years to complete and was worth the wait.. and every penny it seems. It’s a vibe-seekers haven with everything apart from the rooftop and underground Vault Bar open to non-members. The rooms themselves ooze opulence and elegance and are adorned with magnificent intricacies. There are armchairs and big luxurious sofas in lavishly appointed colours like rose and chartreuse and the four-poster beds come in mahogany, while the light situation is rather on point - think palm-tree shaped chandeliers and uniquely shaped lamps bringing the mood to another level. It’s luxury chic, in the true sense of the meaning. 

It’s got plenty to see and do, with 252 bedrooms to chose from, nine restaurants, 15 bars, a spa, a barber shop, a boxing gym, two pools and as one would rightly expect at The Ned, a vintage cabinet is situated at the door to the old Tapestry Room, with specifically designed compartments to ensure the highly secured storage of one’s bowler hat. I mean.. what else could one want, right? It would seem The Ned has it all.

Rooms from £208 per night // Reserve at thened.com

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A C E H O T E L

Whether you’re a trendy traveller or simply on the lookout for somewhere to ‘co-work’ with the too-cool-for-school Shoreditch crew, the Shoreditch outpost of the Ace Hotel is definitely your first stop in London. Located on Shoreditch High Street and just a 10 minute stroll north of Liverpool Street Station, the hotel is a hotspot for the cities achingly cool crowd. Upon entering through the main entrance, you’re met with a fetching first impression: the lobby with it’s concrete walls, dark wood floors and chipboard ceilings set the tone around the main feature of the lobby which is the endless array of hipsters holding meetings and working away on their laptops in the hotel’s, a space that has infamously become that of a co-workers heaven.

From NYC to LA, Chicago to Palm Springs and Seattle to Pennsylvania, staying the night is always a treat at the Ace. Upstairs, with seven different categories, rooms are in complete contrast with the lobby’s dark characteristics and are enveloped in the freshness of stark white walls and industrial style lighting, all adorned with Ace appropriate mid-century modern furniture. It’s innately and authentically Ace at it’s core, yet very East London in it’s detailed eccentricities - there are acoustic guitars on the walls with each room hosting it’s own quirky elements, think fun amenities like record players and vinyls. 

Hoi Polloi is the hotel’s independently popular brasserie style restaurant and is typically buzzing with a vibe-y atmosphere. The menu is extensive, serving everything from oysters to burgers. For coffee lovers too there’s Bulldog Edition which serves (delicious) coffee and on-the-go pastries, small bites and juices. 

Rooms from £151 per night // Reserve at ACEHOTEL.COM

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T H E H O X T O N

With three locations in London - Shoreditch, Holborn and Southwark - The Hoxton has quickly become a favourite of trend seeking travellers in appreciation of a quality hotel stay at reasonable price points. No matter which of the groups London settings you decide to frequent, you’re sure to fall in love with each destinations ability to fit right in with it’s selected surroundings. From Shoreditch to Holborn to Southwark, each Hoxton has it’s own interesting finishings while collectively boasting a combination of old-fashioned elegance alongside elements of bold playfulness. 

Like The Ace, it’s very London. Each lobby is full of creatives hosting power breakfast meetings and click-click-clicking away on their Macs. Sitting for a morning coffee makes for very good people-watching. On the food front, each hotel has it’s own in-house restaurant, the Hoxton Grill in Shoreditch, Hubbard + Bell and Chicken Shop in Holborn and Albie and Seabird in Southwark. 

In Shoreditch, the rooms come in four different sizes, from smallest to biggest, the ‘shoebox’, ‘cosy’, ‘roomy’, and the nine ‘concept’ rooms, each of which have been designed by a local artist. The nine ‘concept’ rooms cannot be booked however, only requested upon reservation, so fingers crossed you’ll be luck out when booking. In Holborn and Southwark, the room sizes are a similar system with one or two more sized rooms available. 

All-in-all the group attracts a loyal repeat customer for it’s atmosphere and attractive prices. 

Rooms from £155 per night // Reserve at THEHOXTON.COM

Museums & Galleries, The LA Edition

T H E B R O A D

Residing at The Broad is Eli and Edythe Broad's private collection of post-war art works. With a stirringly large collection of over 2,000 pieces from 200 artists the philanthropic couple personally financed the $140million building in which they share their love of the arts with the general public. The building itself is a masterpiece designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler.

Having commenced their love of cultural investing over five decades ago, the Broad's collection is unquestionably one of the most extensive personal accumulations in the world and the couple have cleverly built it up on the base belief that “the greatest art collections are built when the art is being made”. And so it is that it plays home to iconic works of art from some of the most notable artists in the world including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker, Cy Twombly and Jasper Johns - alongside a variety of incredible new up-and-coming artists that the couple consider to be worth investing in right now.

With just 250 of the 2,000 pieces on show at any one time, The Broad boasts a permanent line of eager art enthusiasts who cue up daily for up to an hour and half just to gain access. With free general admission, it's best to book in advance to guarantee entry and avoid any disappointment. 

221 S. Grand St., Downtown // Visit thebroad.org

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H A U S E R & W I R T H

Hauser + Wirth opened its Los Angles location in 2016 right in the centre of Downtown LA Arts District. Located in a former flour mill the contemporary art institute plays home to a vibrant communal space with an aim to bring together art and architecture alongside it’s very active events schedule. This space is not just to come and observe, it’s about getting involved and in supporting and joining forces with a variety of local and international art and culture establishments, this unique LA gallery has created an interactive experience with the art world like no other. 

901 E. 3rd St., Downtown // Visit hauserwirth.com

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G A G O S I A N G A L L E R Y

Larry Gagosian’s presence in the contemporary art world is something of legendary status. His first gallery is the Beverly Hills location which he opened in 1980. Since then he has built an entire empire, now with seventeen exhibition spaces in cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Geneva, Basel, Rome, Athens, and Hong Kong. Showcasing the work of major international artists such as Georg Baselitz, Ellen Gallagher, Andreas Gursky, Anselm Kiefer, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, Taryn Simon, Rachel Whiteread and Damien Hirst, the always vibrant program at Gagosian is not to be missed when in L.A. 

456 N. Camden Dr., Beverly Hills // Visit Gagosian.com

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H A M M E R M U S E U M

First opening to the public in November 1990 by former Chairman of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Armand Hammer, the Hammer is one of L.A’s top art spaces. Financed by Occidental, Dr. Hammer had several galleries dedicated to his extensive art collection. Upon his death just three weeks after the opening, the museum began negotiations with UCLA which would see the beginning of a great partnership whereby the college has since managed all operational runnings of the institution. Over time the museum has amassed it’s own very prestigious collection which now holds over 2,000 artworks. Fuelled by varying thematic contemporary exhibitions, historical exhibitions, and contemporary artists’ projects, the museum’s aim is to continually provide important insight into the critical cultural, political and social matters of our time through the artists they work with and the invaluable perspectives they provide while always igniting the imaginations of those who observe, ultimately inspiring change in the way we live and the world we create. 

The Hammer is open to the public on a free admission basis. 

10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood // Visit hammer.ucla.edu

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T H E E A M E S H O U S E

Also fondly known as Case Study House No. 8, the Eames House is a distinguished landmark of mid-century modern architecture. Designed by husband-and-wife Charles and Ray Eames and constructed in 1949, the house remained their home until their respective passings in 1978 and 1988. Today the house is a sacred sanctuary for lovers of mid-century interiors and design.   It reflects their consideration of life as an act of design itself and remains filled with ‘stuff’ representing the story of their lives and how they lived it. One of the most notable and understood aesthetics the design duo left behind is the Eames Lounge and Ottoman - furniture that today is highly valuable in it’s original form and an often copied piece of work. 

Reservations are required for all visits. 

203 Chautauqua Blvd., Pacific Palisades // Visit eamesfoundations.org

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L A C M A

Showcasing the work of living and historical artists in the view to serve the public’s curiosity and vision of the world we live in, LACMA is the largest museum in the western united States. With an astonishing collection that boasts 142,000 artworks, each representing a specific element of the past 6,000 years of life through the artists eye. Each exhibition at LACMA aims to illuminate the rich and cultured spirit of the regions heritage and varied population, while the museum’s experimental philosophy is very much reflected in the artists and mediums they work with from traditional forms of art to technological channels and very much the most important thought leaders of our time. Don’t miss ‘The Story of Light’ - one of the most photographed places in L.A and one of the most visited artworks on campus since it’s opening in 2008 (pictured above).

5905 Wilshire Blvd., West Hollywood // Visit lacma.org

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T H E G E T T Y V I L L A

Inspired by the remains of the Villa Dei Papiri in Herculaneum and the Roman era, The Getty Villa was originally opened in 1974 by oil magnate, billionaire and art patron J Paul Getty as a way to share his vast collections of Classical and Renaissance-era artworks with the public. With a minimum of 1,200 artefacts on show at any one time, the Getty Villa is a destination spot to lose a few hours of your day, wandering happily through it’s galleries and it’s varying on site exhibitions. Upon it’s initial opening in 1974, the launch was met with mixed reviews from critics. The art itself was received with open arms and applause, however the building encountered incredible criticism from historical and architectural experts who felt the era that inspired it’s creation wasn’t at all reflected correctly. The Villa closed in 1997, with the artworks being move to the Getty Centre, so that the villa could be properly converted into a museum level space, only reopening again 2006. Since it’s reincarnation, the Villa has become a hotspot fo tourists and locals alike and being located at the easterly end of Malibu, getting there can be a day out from the city, stopping at Malibu Farmer’s Market which is open on Sunday’s (come hail, rain or shine) or perhaps a nice date night dinner at Nobu.. 

17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades // Visit Getty.edu

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T H E G E T T Y

Not just for art lovers and or those in search of the museums latest world-class exhibitions , the Getty Centre is an escape. Looking out over the hills, perched high above West L.A it’s the perfect place to decamp with a picnic and relax for a few hours away from the city. The centre is very family friendly hosting free music and theatre performances on the weekends and also holds kid-friendly workshops. Designed by Richard Meier to reflect an elevated modernist city and occupying a vast 750 acres, whether you go for the art and architecture or the gardens and walks, it’s sure to inundate your senses with inspiration and insight into the exact world J Paul Getty originally intended, one where art stimulates the imagination and the imagination can perhaps give rise to a better world.

In it’s entirety, the complex includes the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Research Institute, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Harold M. Williams Auditorium, two cafés, a full-service restaurant. Admission is free to everyone. 

1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood // Visit Getty.edu

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H O N O R F R A S E R

With a mission to issue the best platform possible to varied and significant community artists, Honor Fraser opened in Culver City in 2006. Working with a diverse range of artists creating with a range of mediums focusing on process-driven, research-based, and object-focused strategies, the gallery is surprise for the senses and never fails to delight. What you’ll find at Honor Fraser is always unexpectedly intellectual and consciously created to ignite a curiosity around the conventionality of societal norms. The gallery aims to consistently challenge the standard, both in the artists they work with and the pieces exhibited. You’ll find artists such as Jeremy Blake, Tillman Kaiser, Annie Lapin, Sol LeWitt, Kenny Scarf and Tom Wesselmann. 

2622 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City // Visit honorfraser.com

Where to Stay.. Los Angeles Edition

A C E H O T E L, D O W N T O W N

This 13-storey hipster hotel in Downtown Los Angeles is another of Ace’s sleek hotels and part of their wonderful selected collection of global locations. Housed in a Spanish Gothic building, originally built in 1927 for United Artists film studio the interiors are the ultimate blend of Noir and well-worn vintage sophistication. Located within walking distance of The Broad, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Museum and the foodie paradise Grand Central Market, the hotel is what started the process of the re-gentrification of Downtown. Also just an short Uber journey from the Arts District. With the usual laid-back, casual vibes of an Ace production, the staff are very welcoming and accommodating - in that wonderful LA sense. Rooms vary from quite small and neat to open-plan lofts which come complete with a small kitchen and lounge. Pick up your morning take away coffee at the front door counter or eat at the Best Girl bistro or a cocktail at the rooftop bunker bar Upstairs. 

Rooms from £112 per night // Reserve at acehotel.com

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S A N T A M O N I C A P R O P E R H O T E L

Laid-back luxury, tucked away from the upbeat hype of West Hollywood and the bustle of the city, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is one of the cities newest hotspots. Marrying the arresting design of interior designer, Kelly Wearstler with the natural elegance of the buildings 1920s landmark status, Proper Hotel is an escape not to be missed. Designed by Wearstler who focused on a polished earthy feel - think sandy palettes, organic textures and light hard-wood flooring.  Located on the sun-drenched wonder of Wilshire Boulevard and within a strolls distance of the beach it’s a hit with visitors and locals alike. On the property is the first-class Onda restaurant, a collaboration between the masterminds behind Sqirl and Contramar. Not to be missed is experiencing a sunset or two on the hotels rooftop pool - the only one on the city’s westside. Also within walking distance of the heart of Santa Monica and all it’s healthy option cafes and restaurants, the infamous farmers market, cute boutiques and of course morning runs on the beach. 

Rooms from £247 per night // Reserve at properhotel.com

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P A L I H O U S E W E S T H O L L Y W O O D

If you’re looking for the next best thing to a your very own pied-a-terre in West Hollywood, Palihouse is where it’s at my friend. Making yourself right at home is the deal, whether it in one of the hotel’s studios, a one or two bedroom suite or one of the apartment-style residences  - which all come complete with fully equipped kitchens and open-floor plans. The hotel’s hipster ground floor is all kinds of cool where it’s restaurant Mardi serves farm-to-table while also on the level is a workspace and bar where you can take yourself from work to play without leaving the couch. Here you can expect to see power meetings in process, and imagine the celebrities and Hollywood Execs cooking up the next Netflix hit. Another feature is the rooftop terrace, where sundowners are a plenty and Despite the fact that there’s no pool, Palihouse’s level of cool well and truly makes up for it and whether you’re in town for a night, a week or a month, you’ll never want to move out. #WeLiveHereNow

Rooms from £209 per night // Reserve at palisociety.com

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S I X T Y B E V E R L Y H I L L S

Think East Coast sophistication but with a California kinda scene-y-ness. At SIXTY, it’s all about making the most of the sunshine and warm summer-like days at the hotel’s rooftop pool, soaking up the sun with a cocktail in hand. While most of the buildings in the area play into the Old Hollywood hertiage, Sixty tones things back and plays more to the contemporary lovers heart. Designed like a 1970’s Helmut Newton photograph, you’ll find dark tones and heavy leather embellishments. It’s exterior portrays a very cubist architectural design and back inside you’ll find soft marbles and sandstone walls with sleek sofas and low lighting. Located in close proximity to the famed Rodeo Drive (shopppppping anyone?) and all the fancifulness that Beverly Hills has to offer, SIXTY is quickly becoming a thing of it’s own and somewhere locals find themselves falling for just as much as out-of-towners. 

Rooms from £141 per night // Reserve at sixtyhotels.com

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T H E L I N E

Situated in the heart of Koreatown, The Line is a super hip, industrial-style concept hotel with a youthful edge. Located in a mid-century modernist building complete with endless amounts of exposed concrete and super sleek lines, the vibe is on point and it’s friendly 20-something year old staff members reflects it’s sprightly energy. The rooms, with their floor-to-ceiling windows offer residents beautiful views out over the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory while the hotel’s restaurant Openaire is perhaps one of the city’s most fetching, featuring it’s two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin delicious delights, in a greenhouse filled with hanging plants. Something unmissable is the hotel’s store, Poketo- a design and art collective curated by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, the LA husband and wife duo who are renowned for their painfully high knowledge of what’s hot. Living up to it’s neighbourhoods reputation as the city’s known sole 24-hour district is the hotel’s all night wonder, Break Room 86, an 80’s inspired nightclub situation inside the hotel. If you’re looking for something young, vibrant and super trendy, hit up The Line next time you’re in town. 

Rooms from £118 per night // Reserve at thelinehotel.com

What Is.. The Class by Taryn Toomey

If you’re looking to feel alllll the feels, The Class by Taryn Toomey is the ultimate life changing workout for your mind + body. The Class, as created by fitness + well-being genius Taryn Toomey, is a unique physical experience that engages the mind like none other while working to build a long, strong, lean + toned physique. Through a simple collection of repeated calisthenics + plyometrics movement series you can expect to challenge your body’s ability to move like it never has before while also seizing the opportunity to engage your mind, capturing the relationship between mind + body in all it’s previously undiscovered glory. Understanding The Class can honestly + truly only be comprehended in hind sight or upon the momentary experiencing of it; upon completion you realise you’ve just been taken through something quite ethereal + are left with a newly grasped interpretation of all that can be tapped into through the beauty of movement. It’s an emotional journey + some, including myself, claim it holds a somewhat profound healing experience; intruth, for me, it helps me release trauma that’s been stagnant. It’s about total embodiment + for those who struggle with body-image or a lack of love for the body you’re in, the energy of this class in one way or another begins a new journey in self-confidence + an appreciation for your body that you’d never even allowed yourself deem possible. From the music to the instructors, the environment + the level of consciousness it gives, The Class by Tayrn Toomey is all the vibes in my world! With a physical location in New York City (another is opening this summer in LA) + a digital portal online you can check out what you didn’t know you needed in your life + check into a class at theclass.com

Edelle Kenny's New York City Hotlist

Edelle Kenny is an Irish, New York City based photographer, videographer and freelance TV producer. She has worked on major global campaigns, shooting top models and influencers, not to mention her work as a producer with the Discovery Channel. Edelle’s work is a beautiful mix of sultry and sexy with a depth of meaning very distinctive to her style. She lives and works in Manhattan.

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Favourite way to spend a day to yourself?

Wake up early. A run along the east river. Then, scoot to Williamsburg and get a take out breakfast and sit in Domino park. Followed by a trip back into Manhattan to spend hours, walking around aimlessly soaking in the ample culture that New York has to offer. with a disposable camera in hand.  Also on a more practical note, I’d probably find an hour to go to Trader Joes and do a food shop mid day while there are no lines. It’s not all dreamy folks. 

Favourite breakfast?

My favourite breakfast is disappointingly oats, in my own apartment. I recently just got my own lease on my first Manhattan apartment, which is a big deal for freelancer, and my kitchen thankfully overlooks not one but two of the beautiful community artists gardens in the East Village. It’s a rare sight of green in the city. 

Favourite brunch?

My Favourite brunch is Cafe Collet in Williamsburg. It’s an aesthetically well thought out cafe with impeccable food. Everything on the menu is delicious and get the dark chocolate toast for the table. 

Favourite dinner?

My favourite dinner is a hard choice! For an intimate group or one on one with a friend I’ve been going Hanoi House on St Marks. At times there’s a wait time of over an hour, but I’ve never been disappointed. 

Favourite cocktail spot?

Apotheke in China town. I’ve been here a few times over the last year and I really like it as a treat. It’s good cocktails, atmosphere and amazing music.

Favourite hotel?

My favourite hotel is the Whyte hotel or the William Vale in Williamsburg. I recently spent the evening in September with a friend and her family who were staying in a water facing room. Wine, the sun setting over manhattan and friends that feel like family is the best feeling. 

Favourite night out?

Honestly, anything and anywhere intimate with my closest friends. a dinner followed by a few drinks and good conversation. 

Favourite hidden gem?

Roosevelt Island is a small island on the east of Manhattan. There’s not a lot going on there, but bring a picnic and a concealed bottle of wine in the summer evenings, sit in the Four Freedoms Park and watch the sunset over Manhattan. It’s also the most amazing place during cherry blossom season. 

Favourite exercise class?

My favourite exercise class is Rumble or GRIT boxing. Sometimes you just got to punch it out. I don’t need to say more.

Favourite weekend escape?

My favourite weekend escape is The Rockaways in Queens. It’s a strip of beach in Queens that seems like a little island of it’s own! It’s about 1.5 hour cycle from the city or you can get a ferry out there. I’ve regularly seen schools of dolphins and whales from the shore. It’s a really quick fix when you need to escape the madness of Manhattan. 

Favourite boutique?

Awoke Vinatge. Without a doubt. My 2019 new years resolution was to be more eco-friendly so Awoke is the perfect match between a little luxury and second hand. 

Favourite artist?

Nadia Lee Cohen and AlexPrager. Neither of them have the same aesthetic style as me but I find both of them captivating. 

Favourite museum?

Museum of Moving Image! Its small and seems specialised but it’s so interesting. I have been to the Jim Henson exhibition twice and if you watched the muppets as a child, it’s a must. 

Image Edelle Kenny

Javier Martin's Miami Hotlist

Javier Martin's Miami Hotlist

Favourite way to spend a day alone?

I spend a lot of time in my studio. I don’t just make art but meditate and explore new ideas. Also I enjoy going to the beach at sunset and writing or running. When I’m alone I use the day to refresh and clear my mind.

Favourite cocktail spot?

The Standard Hotel as they have a beautiful view of the beach. It’s an amazing place to enjoy a cocktail after a long day and I love to catch the sunset there too. 

Favourite breakfast?

There’s a tiny Cuban cafe right around the corner from me; I go to every morning.

Favourite brunch?

Whatever the sandwich of the day is on at Soho Beach House.

Favourite Dinner?

Cecconis. Always Cecconis.

Favourite Museum?

PAMM.

Favourite Gallery?

Valli Art Gallery.

Favourite Artist?

It's got to be Daniel Arsham.

Favourite Hotel?

I adore staying at The Edition.

Favourite Beach?

The one at Soho Beach House.

Favourite Café?

Henriquetas, they have the best Cuban sandwich and cafecito which is a Cuban take on the espresso shot.

Favourite hidden gem?

Soyka, they have live jazz nights that are absolutely amazing. 

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