INSIDER—
FAVORITES
INSIDER FAVORITES
FAVORITE HIDDEN BEACH AT ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI Page 4
FAVORITE ADVENTURE: MIAVANA’S HELICOPTER AT MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE Page 9
FAVORITE TURNDOWN AMENITY AT BROADWICK SOHO Page 12
FAVORITE FAMILY EXPERIENCE AT H ÔTEL BARRI È RE L'HERMITAGE LA BAULE Page 17
FAVORITE SPOT: FINDING BALANCE IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE AT BANYAN TREE VEYA VALLE DE GUADALUPE Page 20
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: THE PINOT NOIR MAGIC AT HOTEL LE FONTANELLE Page 25
FAVORITE ON-PROPERTY GUEST EXPERIENCE AT BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE Page 28
FAVORITE SNORKELLING SPOT AT RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO Page 33
FAVORITE EXPERIENCE IN THE FINGER LAKES AT THE LAKE HOUSE ON CANANDAIGUA Page 36
FAVORITE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY AT SHA MEXICO Page 41
FAVORITE CULINARY STARRED STORY AT THE CLUB HOUSE Page 44
FAVORITE HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
AT W SOUTH BEACH Page 49
FAVORITE GUEST EXPERIENCE
AT RELAIS RONCOLO 1888 Page 52
FAVORITE SOCIAL WELLNESS MOMENT
AT WYMARA RESORT + VILLAS Page 57
FAVORITE FAMILY HOME IN PARIS
AT LA RESERVE PARIS APARTMENTS Page 60
FAVORITE PLACE TO VIEW THE SUNSET
AT HOTEL PLAZA E DE RUSSIE Page 63
FAVORITE SENSE OF SERENITY
AT GRAND H ÔTEL DU PALAIS ROYAL Page 64
FAVORITE FLAVOR OF HOME
AT FAENA NEW YORK Page 67
FAVORITE FITNESS EXPERIENCE: SUP YOGA
AT É PI BAIE DE PAMPELONNE Page 68
FAVORITE HIDDEN BEACH
ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI
My favorite hidden beach in Montenegro is Rose. Best accessed by boat, Rose offers picturesque vistas across Herceg Novi, with unbelievably clear water that’s perfect for swimming. There’s nowhere better to spend a quiet afternoon under the sun and watch the sunset over Boka Bay as it dips behind the mountains. It’s no wonder Montenegro was once described by Byron as the world’s “most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea.
Ali Can Demirok DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI
One&Only Portonovi
Herceg Novi, Montenegro Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
HERCEG NOVI, MONTENEGRO—
Situated at the entrance of Boka Bay, One&Only Portonovi is a one-of-a-kind resort on Europe’s “New Riviera.” This glamorous nautical playground on the Adriatic Sea offers access to the natural and cultural wonders of Montenegro. Fresh-air adventures through sapphire waters, dramatic forests, and medieval towns are perfectly balanced with chic waterfront relaxation, world-class dining, and cutting-edge wellness.
FAVORITE ADVENTURE: MIAVANA’S HELICOPTER
My favorite is Miavana’s private helicopter excursions— they’re nothing short of extraordinary. From above, the world transforms into a dreamscape—lush rainforests, winding rivers, coral-fringed coastlines, and even the occasional whale breaching in the turquoise sea. Each flight is a journey into the wild unknown, guided by expert pilots who know exactly where to land—perhaps on a secret beach or in a jungle clearing echoing with lemur calls. This is Madagascar as few will ever see it: remote, raw, and radiantly alive.
Kimi Reardon
SALES MANAGER, NORTH AMERICA
MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE
MIAVANA BY TIME + TIDE
Miavana by Time + Tide
Nosy
Ankao, Madagascar
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
NOSY ANKAO, MADAGASCAR—
Tucked away on a remote island off Madagascar’s northeastern coast, Miavana is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury where nature and adventure meet. Surrounded by powder-soft beaches and vibrant coral reefs, this exclusive retreat invites you to explore freely—track lemurs through ancient forests, swim alongside turtles, or watch humpback whales just offshore. Simply by visiting, you help protect this extraordinary ecosystem and support the local community.
FAVORITE TURNDOWN AMENITY
BROADWICK SOHO
My favorite is the snug in our residents-only lounge bar, The Nook. There’s a hidden corner that feels like a secret tucked away from the world. The interiors are unmistakably Broadwick Soho—plush, layered, eclectic, and full of character, with every detail designed to feel both luxurious and lived-in. Sitting there with a Negroni while the fire crackles feels indulgent—like your own secret living room in the heart of Soho. A little glamorous, a little cheeky, and incredibly cozy.
Joshua Gardner MANAGING DIRECTOR BROADWICK SOHO
LONDON, ENGLAND—
Broadwick Soho is an independent luxury hotel in the heart of London’s vibrant Soho. With 57 individually designed rooms and suites, exceptional dining, a rooftop bar, and a celebrated art collection, it offers an opulent yet intimate retreat that captures the grit, glamour, and creative energy of its iconic neighbourhood.
London, England
Broadwick Soho
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE FAMILY EXPERIENCE
My favorite is letting the children set out for the day, carefree—then hearing all about their adventures afterward. Jumping into pools heated year-round. Sharing unique moments of connection with friends at the kids’ and teens’ clubs. L’Hermitage is simply a paradise for children, with everything needed to give your family an unforgettable vacation—including connecting rooms that can be transformed into spacious apartments.
Baptiste Le Touzic
KIDS RESORT MANAGER
H Ô TEL BARRI È RE L’HERMITAGE LA BAULE
H Ô TEL BARRI È RE L’HERMITAGE LA BAULE
Hôtel Barrière L’Hermitage La Baule
La Baule, France
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
LA BAULE, FRANCE—
A legendary hotel on the Atlantic Riviera, overlooking one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Wide open spaces serve as a source of inspiration.
FAVORITE SPOT: FINDING BALANCE IN VALLE DE GUADALUPE
My favorite is the Desert Spring experience, which is all about reconnecting—with yourself and with nature. Tucked into the valley’s raw beauty, it’s a space to slow down and just breathe. From the warm stone walls to the calming water rituals, every detail is meant to help you reset and feel truly balanced again.
Sagrario Morales
SPA MANAGER
BANYAN TREE VEYA VALLE DE GUADALUPE
BANYAN TREE VEYA VALLE DE GUADALUPE
VALLE DE GUADALUPE, MEXICO—
Experience ultimate relaxation and tranquility by indulging in their unique hydrotherapy circuit, the Desert Spring. Water has been treasured for its healing and relaxing properties since ancient times and is an important element in achieving optimal well-being and body balance. The circuit includes a variety of hot and cold stations designed to induce a state of calm.
Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe
Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE ACTIVITY: THE PINOT NOIR MAGIC
HOTEL LE FONTANELLE
One of my favorite activities is the Pinot Noir Experience at our Vallepicciola winery. It includes a guided tour through the enchanting vineyards and a journey into the magic of the cellar—from the fermentation room to the barrique and sparkling wine cellars. The experience concludes with a tasting of five carefully selected labels, all set against the breathtaking Chianti landscape. A true celebration of the freshness and harmony of this noble varietal.
Phoebe Farolfi GENERAL MANAGER
HOTEL LE FONTANELLE
Hotel Le Fontanelle
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA, TUSCANY, ITALY—
Built in the 13th century, Hotel Le Fontanelle became a 5-star hotel in 2006. Perched on a hilltop, it offers stunning Tuscan views, 36 rooms, an outdoor pool, a pétanque court, and complimentary access to the wellness area at The Health Club. Guests can enjoy Italian cuisine on the Belvedere Terrace at La Colonna Restaurant and taste fine wines at the estate's winery, Vallepicciola.
FAVORITE ONPROPERTY GUEST EXPERIENCE
BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE
My favorite experience is our private Woodland Saunas, positioned on the edge of the forest overlooking Ballynahinch Lake. This is a serene retreat where guests are drawn into the rustic soul of the Wild Atlantic Way. In a world that rushes by, this quiet haven invites stillness, reflection, and the simple joy of gazing upon the untouched Connemara landscape—all in the age-old tradition of a wood-fired sauna. It offers our guests a true moment of connection with nature.
Eoin Walsh GENERAL MANAGER BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE
GALWAY, IRELAND—
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Ballynahinch Castle is an intimate historic property with just 48 bedrooms and suites, along with two villas. Situated on a 700-acre estate, guests can enjoy a range of activities including fly fishing, exploring the walled garden, and relaxing in the woodland saunas before dining fireside at the Fisherman's Pub or the Owenmore Restaurant, both offering magnificent river views.
Ballynahinch Castle
Galway, Ireland
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE SNORKELLING SPOT
My favorite snorkeling spot is along the house reef between the Arrival Pavilion and Raffles Spa, where a vibrant coral garden reveals a world of color and life beneath the surface. Guests often encounter Apollo or one of our 25 resident sea turtles, each named after a Greek deity. Watching first-time snorkelers immerse themselves in this serene, magical underwater realm— alive with movement and wonder—is one of the most special moments I witness at the resort.
Peter Andrew
MARINE BIOLOGIST
RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO
RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Meradhoo Island, Maldives
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
MERADHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES—
At Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, elegance meets the untouched beauty of the Maldives. Wake to endless ocean views from your private villa with a pool, savour world-class cuisine crafted with global influences and local ingredients, explore vibrant coral reefs, or unwind at the Raffles Spa. This tranquil sanctuary is where every moment is designed for serenity, seclusion, and everlasting memories.
FAVORITE EXPERIENCE IN THE FINGER LAKES
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My favorite guest experience at the hotel is our morning garden tours. Each one is a little different depending on what’s blooming or ready to taste. Guests learn how the landscape is designed, how we grow vegetables and herbs for our culinary team, and how sustainability is woven into everything we do. You can smell the lavender, taste the fresh mint—it’s a full sensory experience that captures what makes the property feel so alive.
James McGinn HOTEL MANAGER
THE LAKE HOUSE ON CANANDAIGUA
THE LAKE HOUSE ON CANANDAIGUA
FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK—
Recently recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, The Lake House on Canandaigua blends thoughtful design with lakeside luxury. Lush gardens, complimentary wellness and creative classes, and curated experiences—like sunset boat cruises, garden tours, and private lakeview balconies—create a stay that’s both elevated and grounded in nature. Every detail reflects a commitment to sustainability, well-being, and keeping guests fully immersed in the moment.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
Finger Lakes, New York
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY
SHA MEXICO
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My favorite is watching guests transform their lives every day at SHA Mexico. Whether they come solo or with loved ones, I see them thrive as cutting-edge longevity science blends with joyful, vibrant living. Their days begin with sunrise beach walks, followed by advanced health programs, kayaking, sound healing, ocean swims, racquet sports, and end with al fresco dining inspired by the world’s longest-living cultures—all set on the stunning Costa Mujeres.
Cristian Garcia GENERAL MANAGER SHA MEXICO
SHA Mexico
Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
COSTA MUJERES, MEXICO—
Embark on a hyper-personalized health journey with SHA, the global leader in longevity and well-being. Blending cutting-edge science, precision medicine, biohacking, and holistic therapies, SHA offers over 50 specialties and expert guidance. Set on the pristine Caribbean coast of Mexico, it’s where science and soul converge—empowering guests to optimize health, extend vitality, and embrace a vibrant, lasting lifestyle.
FAVORITE CULINARY STARRED STORY
THE CLUB HOUSE
My favorite is my signature dish, Celeriac and Caviar. I used innovative techniques such as fermentation and sous vide to create a vibrant and surprising dish. It creatively showcases the root vegetable in three distinct forms: a delicate millefeuille, a fermented “flower,” and a creamy purée—paired with a luxurious beurre blanc and a refreshing, zero-waste celeriac kombucha crafted from scraps. What truly makes me happy is being able to tell a story through my culinary creations.
Daniele Canella EXECUTIVE CHEF - 11 VISIBILIO RESTAURANT THE CLUB HOUSE
CASTELNUOVO BERARDENGA, TUSCANY, ITALY—
A 5-star luxury hotel, opened in Spring 2022, designed exclusively for adults, offering discreet elegance, stunning Tuscan views, and exclusive experiences at Osteria Il Tuscanico and the Michelin-starred Il Visibilio. Featuring The Wellness Sanctuary spa with complimentary facilities and an extensive list of treatments, The Club House is a pure refinement of all five senses, nestled in the silence of the Tuscan countryside.
The Club House
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
W SOUTH BEACH
My favorite feature of W South Beach is that it’s a true oasis of sophistication and wellness, designed to rejuvenate every aspect of your being. Our luxury spa offers a curated menu of organic rituals, detoxifying massages, and advanced skincare treatments. Longtime partner Ahana Yoga enhances the experience with a dynamic wellness program featuring daily movement, guided meditation, and immersive workshops—creating a space where mind, body, and spirit are truly refreshed.
Kristin Canto
SENIOR LEISURE SALES EXECUTIVE
W SOUTH BEACH
W South Beach
Miami Beach, Florida
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA—
W South Beach, a luxury hotel on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, offers 357 renovated suites, two signature pools, rooftop sports courts, and the AWAY Spa. Guests enjoy curated events, fine dining at MR CHOW, and vibrant nightlife. The hotel also features modern meeting spaces and a 24/7 W Insider concierge.
FAVORITE GUEST EXPERIENCE: CARS
RELAIS RONCOLO 1888
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One of my favorite guest experiences is so beautifully described as “slow food, fast cars.” We’re located in the heart of Italy’s Food Valley and Motor Valley, where automotive adventures are a major highlight for our guests. This could mean our Ferrari Drive & Dream Experience or—my absolute favorite—renting one of our vintage cars for a scenic drive to our other vineyard, where a picnic among the vines awaits.
Massimiliano Draghi HOTEL MANAGER RELAIS RONCOLO 1888
EMILIA, ITALY—
Nestled in the green hills between Milan and Bologna, in the heart of Emilia, Relais Roncolo 1888 is a historic borgo within the 320acre eco-estate of Tenuta di Roncolo. A timeless haven of quiet luxury, privacy, and nature, it’s a dream destination for the savvy traveler seeking an authentic and lesser-explored part of Italy, filled with unique experiences.
Relais Roncolo 1888
Emilia, Italy
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
FAVORITE SOCIAL WELLNESS MOMENT
WYMARA RESORT + VILLAS
My favorite part of our social wellness program is the yacht sailings aboard Lady Grace. Wellness can be quiet and personal—but it can also be shared. There’s something powerful about connecting with others in a setting this beautiful. It’s a reminder that joy, community, and nature are all part of the wellness journey.
Sarinah Sari SPA DIRECTOR
WYMARA RESORT + VILLAS
Wymara Resort + Villas
Turks & Caicos
Four Hundred by Design
Hotels and Resorts Collection
TURKS & CAICOS—
Wymara Resort + Villas is a contemporary luxury retreat in Turks and Caicos, spanning both Grace Bay Beach and the secluded enclave of Sunset Cove. With immersive wellness experiences, a renowned spa, and Green Globe Certification recognizing its sustainability leadership, Wymara blends laid-back island living with personalized service and high-touch hospitality.
FAVORITE FAMILY HOME IN PARIS
LA RESERVE PARIS APARTMENTS
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My favorite part of La Réserve Paris Apartments is how we design bespoke experiences for all ages, from private dinners with a chef to playful cooking classes for children. When kids are happy and engaged, parents can truly unwind—turning their stay into an unforgettable family memory. Every joyful moment is crafted with care, creativity, and emotion. More than just a service, it’s the feeling of a home away from home in the heart of Paris.
Facira RAAD GENERAL MANAGER
LA
RESERVE PARIS APARTMENTS
PARIS, FRANCE—
La Réserve Paris Apartments is a secret hideaway for those who wish to experience Paris in complete freedom. The ten apartments, ranging from 140 to 300 sqm, offer the comfort and independence of a home away from home—perfect for both a romantic getaway and a family holiday, with the Eiffel Tower as your neighbor.
VIAREGGIO, TUSCANY, ITALY —
Renowned as the ‘jewel of Viareggio,’ the seafront luxury boutique Hotel Plaza e de Russie combines its historic architecture with modern luxury hospitality. A famed meeting place for the international jet set, the sophisticated hotel has been completely redesigned and now features a trendy Michelin-starred restaurant alongside the luxurious elegance of its 44 rooms and suites.
FAVORITE PLACE TO VIEW THE SUNSET
My favorite place to watch the sunset is the Carrara Marble Quarries. It’s where art, nature, and history come together in the most unforgettable way. You walk among the mountains where Michelangelo once chose his marble blocks. Then comes the magical moment—when the sun begins to set, and golden light reflects off the marble walls, painting them in shades of pink and orange. In front of you, the Tyrrhenian Sea stretches out endlessly. It’s a view that never stops taking my breath away.
Salvatore Madonna CEO & OWNER
PLAZA E DE RUSSIE
HOTEL PLAZA E DE RUSSIE
HOTEL
FAVORITE SENSE OF SERENITY
GRAND H Ô TEL DU PALAIS ROYAL
My favorite thing about the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is the instant sense of serenity you feel as you step into its hidden world on the discreet Place de Valois, just a few minutes’ walk from the vibrant energy of Paris and the Louvre Museum.
Séverine Greault
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING GRAND H Ô TEL DU PALAIS ROYAL
PARIS, FRANCE—
Wander a little further through the charming Parisian passages, and you will reach the Bourse de Commerce—an intimate contemporary art foundation currently hosting Clinamen, a poetic aquatic installation where floating bowls create a spontaneous symphony under the summer sky.
NEW YORK—
Faena New York, located in West Chelsea, offers 120 artfully designed rooms and suites with sweeping city views. Alan Faena’s bold vision comes alive through immersive design, cultural vibrancy, and dynamic spaces. Highlights include Francis Mallmann’s La Boca and The Living Room, both featuring nightly live entertainment. Terra Santa Healing House and Faena Theater further enrich the experience.
FAVORITE FLAVOR OF HOME
My favorite is La Boca in Buenos Aires—my home, where the table is set not for guests, but for blunt tenderness. It’s an outburst of dissidence, opposites, not precisely harmony. Here, I cook what we eat—not to impress, but to remember. A surprised assembly of my life on your lips. And now, I am bringing La Boca to New York.
Francis Mallman CHEF
FAENA NEW YORK
FAENA NEW YORK OPENING SOON
FAVORITE FITNESS EXPERIENCE: SUP YOGA
É PI BAIE DE PAMPELONNE
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My favorite is the serene scene nestled within the lush embrace of a tropical resort oasis—a pristine swimming pool where wellness meets luxury. The clear blue waters shimmer under a radiant sun, reflecting the vibrant greenery of surrounding palm trees and exotic foliage. Mirrored on the surface, a group of enthusiasts participates in a unique wellness experience: paddleboard yoga, blending the gentle rhythm of water with mindful movement.
Aliaume Margeon
HOTEL DIRECTOR
É PI BAIE DE PAMPELONNE
RAMATUELLE, FRANCE—
Discovery x Épi embodies the charm of the Mediterranean while delivering the Discovery difference—luxurious amenities, bespoke culinary and lifestyle programming, and five-star concierge services. A hospitality experience unlike any other summer destination in Saint-Tropez, Discovery x Épi provides unparalleled comfort and connection through its unique offerings.
PHOTO CREDITS
Front Cover One&Only Portonovi
Contents Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Below The Club House
Left Ballynahinch Castle
Back Cover Hotel Le Fontanelle
FOUR HUNDRED BY DESIGN
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