24 January 2024
In Europe we still long for sun in February, whether on a sunny beach or on the slopes. But there’s more to discover: the latest design- and art events for example. And if you long for a self-care retreat you’d better go to Sri Lanka.
To help you out in your decision making we’ve rounded up the 5 best destinations to go to this month, including some tips on where to stay, eat, shop and go.
Architecture, art and a green Michelin star
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and appeals to everyone who loves architecture. From Depot Boijmans to FENIX on Katendrecht, which will open in 2025. In recent years, residents have rolled up their sleeves and opened some lovely design addresses throughout the city. Rotonde received a green Michelin star, Susan Bijl now has two stores and Marjolein Delhaas opened her first stationery store last month. At the beginning of February the city turns upside down during Art Rotterdam (February 1 – 4) at the Van Nellefabriek and Object Rotterdam at the Haka-building. Expect lots of art, objects, design and technology on various locations throughout the city.
Where to stay: Morgan & Mees is a new hotel designed by Anne Claus in Rotterdam-West. The rooms are comfortable, luxurious and overlook the city. The restaurant and bar are located on the ground floor, which is also a nice place to mix with locals. The location is central, you will reach Depot Boijmans or independent cinema KINO in five minutes. And if you want to take a yoga class, Kula is about a 15-minute walk away.
Find more recommendations in Rotterdam here
Design, coffee and art books
Design aficionados will gather in Sweden’s capital this month (February 5 – 11) during Stockholm Design Week. The Furniture Fair brings together professionals and designers, while many events and exhibitions in the city are accessible to everyone. Those who want to explore the city will find the best addresses in Sodermalm, where Esterior, for example, recently opened an in-house café (Cafeterior). Around the corner is the beautiful Konstig Bookstore and a little further up in Sodermalm you’ll find Drop Coffee, Nitty Gritty and Vinioni.
Where to stay: Ett Hem is still the most beautiful hotel in the city. The hotel already opened in 2012 and recently expanded with the opening of two other townhouses to inspire more people staying in the rooms designed by Ilse Crawford. There’s also a communal living room and you can have your morning coffee in the greenhouse in the truly magical garden – especially during these cold, snowy months.
Find more recommendations in Stockholm here
Skiing, stars and 70s architecture
We often research the Alps for our next ski holiday, but have you ever thought about the Pyrenees? The Grand Tourmalet is a large, affordable ski area in the south of France, with many blue and red slopes, so perfect for beginners or for those of you who don’t necessarily like super steep slopes. They do attract the adventurous people too: the Pic du Midi is said to be one of the most beautiful free ride locations in the world. You can reach the top with a cable car with a height difference of no less than 1000 meters in 15 minutes. There is also a planetarium at the top, so if you go at night you can expect a sky full of stars.
Where to stay: La Voie Lactée is a hotel inspired by the 1970s, designed by architect Romain Thévenot who mainly used raw materials, sleek lines and warm colors. Sustainability is important pillar. The sinks in the bathrooms are made of recycled plastic, for example, and they use as many local products as possible in both the interior as the restaurant. The restaurant is named after the Milky Way, there’s a spa and 20 rooms. And the good news is that you have easy access to the slopes of Grand Tourmalet.
Find more recommendations in France here
Gastronomy, UNESCO World Heritage and mezcal
Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico, and that’s not only because this is the birth place of mezcal. Mole, tlayuda and memela are some of the dishes people from all over the world come to Oaxaca for. Visit a local market and try as much as you can, or head to one of the city’s best restaurants, Criollo. Chef Luis Arellano works with products from the region and uses techniques from the indigenous peoples of the Oaxaca region, either from the mountains or from the coast. A lot more accessible is Kiyo Café, where they serve specialty coffee, sell their own clothing brand and also run a bed & breakfast.
Where to stay: Grupo Habita is the Mexican hotel group that works with local chefs, artisans and architects to share the love for their country with their guests in a design-worthy way. Otro just opened the doors in Oaxaca. You don’t see much of it from the outside, but once inside you will be surprised by the architecture that is inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mitla (located just outside the city). The rooms are minimalistic with lots of concrete. There’s a spa. And the roof terrace has a swimming pool (and a restaurant) with a panoramic view over the city.
Find more recommendations in Mexico here
Yoga, birds and wildlife
The south of Sri Lanka attracts tourists who love wellness, beaches and wildlife. You can take a yoga class anywhere, there are various Ayurveda retreats and you can spot an elephant or a leopard in the surrounding nature parks. Galle is a historic city on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This former Dutch colony at the time of the VOC, still resembles many Dutch remains. If you’ve always wanted to see an Asian elephant, visit the Udawalawa National Park or the Yala National Park. Coconut Tree Hill is popular for its unique location filled with palm trees overlooking the ocean. And The Kip needs to be on your list for lunch or to join one of their drawing or ceramics workshops.
Where to stay: Kurulu Bay is a small-scale resort located right on the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka. Kurulu Bay means Bird Island in Sri Lanka, so you’ll immediately become happy by the sound of the singing birds that live in the surrounding jungle. The hotel has a swimming pool, luxurious rooms and a lovely restaurant, but the most important pillars are wellbeing and health. You can book a massage, but the yoga deck with panoramic views makes you want to hop in a downward facing dog immediately. They also organize retreats.
