St Ali
London
This April, Melbourne’s renowned coffee roastery, St Ali, made its debut overseas with its first location in London’s vibrant Clerkenwell. Nestled within a modern two-story wooden space, patrons can indulge in expertly crafted espresso drinks from London’s inaugural Slayer Espresso machines. The culinary team has rolled out a tempting menu influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Owners James Dickson, Salvatore Malatesta, and Timothy Cooke have exciting plans to introduce a dining concept that artfully pairs food with coffee.
stali.co.uk
Palazzo Segreti
Milan
Tucked away on a tranquil lane just off Milan’s bustling Via Dante, Palazzo Segreti occupies a beautifully preserved 19th-century residence. This boutique hotel features 18 modernist rooms, adorned with concrete walls in understated hues like white, matte grey, blue, and bordeaux. Room No. 5, with its stunning Fishbone parquet flooring, comes highly recommended. Guests can relax in the lounge on elegant Fritz Hansen seating, sampling a light menu inspired by local delicacies: start with preserves and fruit juices from the Dolomites at breakfast, and wind down with salamis procured from Slow Food suppliers, accompanied by exquisite wines from Maremma in the evening.
palazzosegreti.com
Milan Address Book
Slowear
The Italian multi-brand boutique introduces its second shop in Milan, offering a curated selection of menswear and luggage.
18 Via Solferino, +39 02 6347 1384
slowear.it
Skitch
This multi-purpose design brand’s showroom features an array of stylish furniture, homewares, and textiles.
11 Via Monte di Pietà, +39 02 3663 3065
skitsch.it
Officine del Gelato
Indulge in granite, luscious semifreddi, and creamy artisanal gelato made with local milk.
46 Viale Montenero, +39 02 5990 4118
officinedelgelato.com
Armandola
A charming family-run deli and enoteca that offers a delightful selection of gourmet foods.
21 Via Borgospesso, +39 02 7602 1657
armandola.com
Top Three Coffee Specialties
For coffee enthusiasts, here are the standout selections:
- Champion: A seasonal house blend that shines both in espresso and milk-based drinks.
- Syphon: This Japanese brewing method creates a clean, tea-like coffee experience.
- Aeropress: Brewed under pressure for a strong yet smooth profile, minimizing acidity.
Pier 24
San Francisco
Pier 24, hailed as “a place to view and think about photography,” has emerged as a significant player in San Francisco’s arts scene. Opened by investment banker Andrew Pilara, this impressive space occupies a 2,600 square meter converted warehouse beneath the iconic Bay Bridge. The Pilara Foundation, the first entity to inhabit this location in nearly thirty years, now showcases a remarkable permanent collection alongside a series of rotating exhibitions.
pier24.org
Hotel Sezz
Saint Tropez
After a thoughtful refurbishment, Hotel Sezz reopened its doors in April, offering guests a brand-new spa experience. By June, the hotel will unveil luxurious private villas, each featuring a personal plunge pool and lush garden.
hotelsezz-sainttropez.com/it
Not Selle Marcel
Paris
Located just steps away from the Centre Pompidou, this exquisite luxury bike shop showcases beautifully restored vintage bicycles from names like Raleigh, Peugeot, and Motobecane. It’s not just a shop—it’s a hub for bike enthusiasts. Visitors can peruse accessories ranging from handmade leather saddles to stylish messenger bags from Brooks, all while admiring chrome tire pumps from Airborne.
ensellemarcel.com
You’ll need to note that visits to Pier 24 are by appointment only, with guided tours that last up to two hours, providing an enriching, intimate experience.
Hotel Thoumieux
Paris
A collaboration between Thierry Costes, from the renowned Costes Hotelier family, and chef Jean-François Piège has rejuvenated this once-faded classic hotel from the 1920s into one of the city’s most sought-after dining spots and stays. The design, executed by India Mahdavi—also known for her work at London’s Connaught hotel bar—invites guests into a contemporary country house ambiance with vibrant wallpapers and modern amenities. With just 15 rooms, each equipped with iPads, Illy coffee machines, and luxurious Aesop bath products, guests can even savor room service from a two-star Michelin chef.
thoumieux.fr
Villa Tre Ville
Positano
Once the private retreat of illustrious director Franco Zeffirelli, Villa Tre Ville now welcomes guests to its serene collection of homes perched on a terraced hillside near Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The legendary property has played host to icons like Liz Taylor and Elton John. Accessible via a lift, the villa comprises 15 suites, many of which retain Zeffirelli’s elegant furnishings, including unique Syrian mother-of-pearl pieces. The menu is steeped in local flavors, featuring ingredients sourced from the on-site gardens, and guests are invited to dine on a terrace shaded by a pergola, just steps away from a sun deck and water taxi for coastal explorations.
villatreville.it
Café Storm
Antwerp
At the new MAS museum—a striking architectural creation by Neutelings Riedijk—Café Storm offers not just a meal but a gathering place for the community of ‘t Eilandje, the dock area of Antwerp. The café, operated by Jan Michiels and architect Kurt Hereygers, invites both locals and visitors, including creatives from nearby Dries van Noten’s workshop, to enjoy unique beers like the elusive Belgian Rodenbach on its sunny terrace, boasting stunning views of the docks. Light fare like salads and sandwiches complement the laid-back atmosphere, and the café transforms into a brunch hotspot come Sundays.
cafe-storm.com
Best in Finland
Helsinki Airport
Embracing the essence of the Slow Food movement, Helsinki’s Eat & Joy farmers’ market has made its way to Vantaa Airport with its innovative retail concept, “Best in Finland.” The two shops—opened in March and May—each span just 50 square meters but showcase an impressive array of products from over 250 local producers. As Aki Arjola, co-owner of Eat & Joy, elaborates, the focus is on travel-friendly items like cold-smoked Finnish pike and air-dried reindeer salami. Enthusiasts should circle mid-October on their calendars, as the duo plans to unveil a sprawling 600-square-meter market hall in the city center.
eatandjoy.com
Want Apothecary
Montreal
Inspired by the aesthetics of 19th-century pharmacies, Want Apothecary brings together fashion and beauty in a charming new shop in Montreal’s Westmount area, curated by the team behind the accessories brand Want Les Essentiels de la Vie.
wantapothecary.com
Q&A
Rory Hunter
Co-founder, Song Saa Island, Cambodia
In the emerging landscape of luxury hotels in Southeast Asia, Rory Hunter and his wife Melita are set to redefine expectations with their new brand that blends opulence with a sense of community responsibility. The couple’s flagship project, a private island resort named Song Saa Private Island, is forthcoming in Cambodia’s picturesque Koh Rong Archipelago, with plans for two additional properties in the works.
Why Cambodia?
“Our journey began five years ago when we fell in love with this remarkable country. A friend introduced us to the incredible islands, and we spent weeks exploring the archipelago by boat, finally inquiring about the possibility of island ownership.”
What sets you apart from local developers?
“We’ve been acutely aware of the impact our presence would have, prompting us to establish a marine reserve and engage significantly with the local community by building schools. Thankfully, visitors today are much more knowledgeable about tourism’s impact. Our remote location allows us to make a meaningful difference—something we couldn’t replicate in tourist hotspots like Phuket.”
songsaa.com
Chateau Mio
Buenos Aires
At the heart of Buenos Aires’ upscale Recoleta neighborhood lies Chateau Mio, a wine-themed hotel born from the vision of mother-daughter duo, Cristina, Lucía, and Julia Catena. Fourth-generation winemakers with deep roots in Mendoza, the family has infused the hotel with their love for wine, reflected in defining details like the striking 6-meter-high entrance door crafted from French oak wine barrels. Guests can unwind with a glass of wine while luxuriating in distinctive bathtubs designed by Argentine artist Mario Dasso.
miobuenosaires.com
Good Cho’s
Taipei
Reflecting a growing interest in the Slow Food movement in Taiwan, Good Cho’s is an inviting café and organic food shop situated in a former military housing block adjacent to city allotments. Spearheaded by the team behind a popular weekly farmers’ market, Good Cho’s features a cozy atmosphere graced with vintage decor, serving bagels made from locally-sourced ingredients and acting as a versatile venue for talks, performances, and exhibitions.
streetvoice.com/goodchos
Shopping:
Indulge in an array of daily bagel flavors, including intriguing options like sweet potato and red bean, along with delicious Midori ice cream, complemented by organic cotton socks from Simple Life.