Welcome to The Above Par Culture Edit. This monthly column curates hotel openings, art exhibitions, commerce launches, and cultural happenings around the globe. In this edition: Rimowa reveals the winner of their annual design prize, a speakeasy-ish property that overlooks Edinburgh Castle, and a new Don Angie restaurant that, no, I haven’t been able to get a reservation at, thanks for asking.
100 Princes Street
Sit and sip comfortably in a leather-walled lounge at 100 Princes Street, which overlooks the ominous Edinburgh Castle. With five floors and 34 rooms, guests can expect tartan patterns and fireplaces with larger suites named after Scottish Arctic explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison. It’s a speakeasy you can sleep in.
Rimowa Design Prize
The annual Rimowa Design Prize applauds the intersection of design and innovation, celebrating how the marriage of the two can tackle larger cultural issues. This year’s award went to Janne Kreimer, a design student at Anhalt University who created a pressure-technology waistcoat that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to lessen anxiety and depression.
Six Senses La Sagesse Grenada
Grenada is quickly rising in rank as the hotspot, and we’re confident the new Six Senses La Sagesse will further entice travelers to this West Indies destination. Suites and villas sit on 38 acres of lush land, and a world-class spa pays homage to the spice island’s history with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and palo santo.
San Sabino
If you’ve been hopelessly vying for a reservation at Don Angie, I have good news — the restaurant group just opened San Sabino, a lauded West Village Italian-American spot that is equally impossible to snag a table at. I know I seem bitter, and that’s because I am.
The World’s 50 Best
Awards have been awarded! These are the restaurants and these are the bars. Dead Rabbit in NYC is deserving, and we’re certainly eyeing the holistic cuisine at Alchemist in Copenhagen. Library By The Sea at Kimpton’s Grand Cayman has only nine Google reviews and we expect that number will jump up quite quickly now.
Equinox x Grown Alchemist
Equinox members will now have access to Grown Alchemist’s suite of best sellers. If you haven’t tried Grown Alchemist products yet, you’re in for a treat — luxe packaging is made infinitely better by plant-based ingredients and delicious scents that subtly linger hours past use.
The Bodrum Edition
Now reopened for the 2024 season. Sun-drenched suites overlooking the Aegean sea and Michelin-starred dining by Turkish chef Osman Sezener make this a must, and Bodrum itself is an excellent destination for travelers looking to venture off the usual path (read: respectfully, Italy) without compromising beach access.
Santo Collection
We’re salivating at the thought of a Mamma Mia summer in Greece, and these new luxury properties in Oia, Santorini fit the bill. Introducing Santo Mine and the Villas by Santo Collection. The former offers 37 suites and sits on a former stone mine, while the latter is a four-bedroom villa complete with a private pool and patio.
Bitter Monk
Bitter Monk is the newest sister brand to Harlem’s Sugar Monk Lounge, acting as both a micro-distillery and intimate cocktail bar with impeccable branding (cc: stain glass windows). It’s a place for inventive drinks that combine the likes of brandy and cocoa, and the snackage is equally fun: hello truffle popcorn. Call me a bitter monk from now on, please, and thank you.
Jazz at Twenty Three Grand
Christen the upcoming weekend with a singalong at Twenty Three Grand in New York City. They’ve partnered with Élan Artists to bring live entertainment every Thursday evening and Sunday brunch. ModernHaus Soho guests simply have to walk downstairs.
Rosewood Front Row
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has introduced Rosewood Front Row, a series hosts global exhibits and panels focused on trends in hospitality and design. The first initiative took place at Art Basel Hong Kong this past March. It’s basically biz talk for people who are passionate about the luxury travel space (so, us).
BARK Air
An airline for dogs has launched?! It’s an offshoot of BARK, the subscription box. They offer one-ways and round trips between NY, LA, and London. We will investigate and get back to you soon, but I am very excited as my dog deserves to see the world.
