30 March 2024
This month, everyone with a love for design will be in Milan for the Salone del Mobile, but in this article, we also travel to Bangkok, Bali, and Barcelona for the best tips. And for those who want to welcome spring in Paris, there are plenty of exciting hotspots and inspiring exhibitions to choose from.
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.
Design, cocktails and Italian marble
Milan is buzzing this month (from April 15th to 21st) with designers unveiling their latest creations to the world, drawing in design enthusiasts eager for inspiration. Alongside the fair and citywide events, there are plenty of other gems waiting to be discovered. One dining spot not to miss is Trattoria del Ciumbia, an Italian restaurant with a cocktail focus, designed by Dimore Studio. Don’t forget to explore the Porto Romana district for delights like Signor Lievito bakery, a meal at Yapa, and a venture to Fondazione Prada a bit further afield.
Where to stay? Room Mate Giulia boasts a phenomenal location, practically next door to the Duomo di Milano. Designed by the Italian Patricia Urquiola, who found inspiration in Milan. The hotel features a lobby with a pink floor reminiscent of the Duomo’s marble, along with terracotta tiles and geometric shapes aplenty.
Find more recommendations in Milan here
Art, books and an affordable stay
As an art lover, you always have an excuse to visit Paris because one high-quality exhibition swiftly follows another. For instance, head to Bourse de Commerce if you want to see the impressive installation by South Korean artist Kim Sooja: she adorned the Rotunda with an immense mirrored surface, reflecting the dome of this former stock exchange and the sky above even more brilliantly. Also worth exploring this month are Iris van Herpen’s exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs (until April 28), Brancusi at Centre Pompidou (until July 1st), and Mise en Page by Sarah Andelman at Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche (until April 21st).
Where to stay? Hotel room prices in Paris are skyrocketing with the Olympics on the horizon. What to do if you have a smaller budget? Book a hotel on the other side of the Seine, which can make a significant difference. French Theory is a fresh 3-star hotel with even a Zen Room where you get a yoga mat. It’s located around the corner from Parc du Luxembourg, and rooms can be booked starting from 119 euros per night.
Find more recommendations in Paris here
Or download the new Paris Guide
Pink cafe, shopping for children and female art
We take a stroll along Rambla de Catalunya in Barcelona where the colorful children’s brand Bobo Choses opened a flagship store in March. Somewhat tucked away in a quiet side street behind Rambla de Catalunya, you’ll find Baldomero where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch in a pink environment. Next, you can visit the exhibition of the Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota at La Fundació Antoni Tàpies (until June 23), or alternatively, drop by Galeria Mayoral to see the Mater exhibition where five female artists showcase their perspectives on material research. Then, you’re also close to Casa Battlo where on April 23, during the Catalan celebration of Sant Jordi, the entire Gaudi facade is adorned with roses.
Where to stay? Casa Bonay is a 15-minute walk from Casa Battlo and is a place where you practically don’t need to leave. The rooms are comfortable and all decorated with furniture and products from local makers, just like the rest of the hotel, but they also have a restaurant, vibrant lobby, coffee bar, and a rooftop chiringuito. With an average temperature of 16 degrees in April, it’s quite pleasant to spend some time there.
Find more recommendations in Barcelona here
Or download The Barcelona Guide
Temples, donuts, and rooftop pools
Bangkok ranks 18th in the list of the world’s largest metropoles, just below Mexico City, Sao Paulo, and Los Angeles. If you’re in the city for a stop-over, don’t try to do too much and choose a few highlights. If you opt to visit Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining golden Buddha, have lunch at Horsamut, a seafood restaurant by the river with a view of another famous sight: Wat Arun. Already been there? Head to Phrom Phong, grab a donut at Drop by Dough after exploring one of the most famous shopping malls, Emquartier. Or have breakfast at Larder, located a bit further north.
Where to Stay? The Standard opened a branch in the capital of Thailand a few years ago, bringing luxury with panoramic views and a nice pool to cool off after a day in the tropical heat. The hotel, designed by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon, is particularly colorful.
Find more recommendations in Bangkok here
Bakeries, records, and breakfast in bed
Are you heading for the white sands of Uluwatu or the black sands of Pererenan? Just north of Canggu, along Jalan Pantai Pererenan, there are plenty of great places to make a stop. How about ACME Bakehouse for coffee, pastries, and breakfast, or the beautifully designed BAKED? You could also try brunch at The Hula or cocktails at Peels Records & Bar. At The Path Yoga Center, you can join a peaceful zen meditation class, or opt for a dynamic vinyasa flow.
Where to Stay? Further Hotel recently opened its doors on the same street as the aforementioned spots. It’s a boutique suite hotel with a warm color palette of terracotta on the walls and black armchairs in the rooms. The bed sinks into its architectural casing, inviting you to enjoy a deliciously indulgent breakfast in bed. Also worth noting is Bar Vera, their on-site restaurant.
Find more recommendations in Bali here
Credits: Mise en Page: Petite Passport, Room Mate Giulia: via Room Mate, Mise en Page: Petite Passport, Baldomero: Petite Passport, The Standard Bangkok: via The Standard, Further Hotel: via Further Hotel
