There’s something transformative about stepping away from routine and experiencing the world through a design lens.
Last month’s adventure—from Windsor and London to Paris and the South of France—became less about checking destinations off a list and more about gathering inspiration through hospitality, color, craftsmanship, food, and atmosphere. Every stop reminded me that the most memorable spaces are the ones that make you feel something.
London: Layered, Lively & Wonderfully British
Our time in London began at Ham Yard Hotel, which remains one of my favorite hotels in the world.
Everything about Kit Kemp’s approach to design and hospitality feels joyful, layered, and deeply personal—bold color, playful pattern, collected art, cozy corners, and thoughtful details that somehow feel both sophisticated and approachable at once.
We loved lingering over breakfasts each morning at the Ham Yard Restaurant before heading out into the city.
The trip itself was layered between business and inspiration. While attending our NKBA Board Leadership Dialogue at Windsor Castle, Vincent explored some of London’s incredible culinary destinations including Michelin-starred Mountain, Cantinetta Antinori, and the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.
Together, we celebrated Vincent’s 65th birthday at the iconic River Cafe—one of those restaurants that reminds you simplicity, quality ingredients, and atmosphere never go out of style.
Between meetings and meals, we wandered through Hyde Park, explored the Natural History Museum, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant creativity of Clerkenwell Design Week and Chelsea in Bloom. London this year felt especially expressive—full of color, humor, fashion, florals, and unapologetic personality.
Paris: Romantic, Refined & Cinematic
From London, we boarded the Eurostar to Paris and checked into the dreamy La Fantaisie, a hotel that felt equal parts whimsical garden and Parisian hideaway.
Our 19,000 step days included walking neighborhoods, stopping for espresso and pastry, admiring architecture, and soaking in the effortless elegance Paris always seems to deliver.
We dined at Lafayette’s, and of course Ralph’s, which somehow always feels like stepping into a perfectly tailored version of American nostalgia tucked inside Paris. Lafayette’s was especially memorable—historic yet edgy, full of energy, incredible people watching, an unexpectedly hip playlist, and one of those dining experiences where the atmosphere becomes just as memorable as the meal itself.
A visit to Notre-Dame de Paris was especially moving. Seeing the cathedral continue its restoration reminded me how deeply craftsmanship, preservation, and cultural identity matter—themes that resonate strongly in both design and travel.
If you’ve already checked the traditional Paris landmarks off your list, some of the city’s most memorable moments come from venturing slightly beyond the expected. The Fondation Louis Vuitton was extraordinary, particularly the Calder exhibit, where monumental sculpture met Frank Gehry’s architecture in a way that felt immersive, playful, and deeply inspiring.
Another unexpected favorite was La Grande Arche de la Défense, which aligns almost perfectly on axis with the Arc de Triomphe nearly three miles away. The scale, symmetry, and urban planning moment offered a striking contrast to the romantic historic center and reminded us how layered Paris truly is.
And of course, no design lover can resist wandering through Rue Crémieux, where rows of colorful homes create one of the happiest little streets in the city—playful, cinematic, and impossibly charming.
For a perfect midday reset between shopping and sightseeing, we also loved stopping into Butterfly Pâtisserie inside the iconic Hôtel de Crillon. The pastries, matcha lattes, and beautifully layered interiors made it feel like a tiny luxury escape within the city.
The South of France: Slow Living & Soulful Hospitality
From Paris, we took the TGV south to Nice, where we stayed in a friend’s apartment and immediately slipped into the slower rhythm of the Côte d’Azur.
Some of our favorite meals were long-standing traditions inherited from my beloved college professor, Jeanette Locker, who spent summers in Nice as a professional olive oil taster and cooking instructor. Over the years, her recommendations have become our own treasured rituals.
We returned to beloved standbys: La Merenda, Acchiardo, and Le Plongeoir. These are the kinds of places that remind you hospitality isn’t about trends—it’s about warmth, memory, and authenticity.
This trip also introduced us to a few new favorites.
Au Coeur de Terroir offered a wonderful taste of regional specialties, while Carmela delivered one of our most memorable dinners in Nice. Mornings often began at Garden Café, and for those with a sweet tooth, La Maison de Céline is worth seeking out for pastries and treats that feel quintessentially French.
Beyond the restaurants, Nice continues to reward curious travelers. A visit to the Marc Chagall Museum provided a beautiful reminder of the region’s artistic heritage, while wandering the city’s markets, gardens, and seaside promenades never gets old.
We explored Menton and Cannes, including a visit to the Dragon Hill Artist Residency, where creativity and landscape felt beautifully intertwined. In Cannes, we enjoyed exploring Le Croisette, with its iconic shopping, hotels, and people-watching, before stopping for a cocktail at the legendary Carlton. A walk up to the historic castle overlooking the city offered spectacular views of the coastline and a wonderful perspective on the Riviera’s layered history.
And finally, we escaped to Èze for two magical days at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. Perched high above the Mediterranean, the hotel feels suspended between sea and sky—peaceful, romantic, and unforgettable. While every corner of the property is remarkable, dinner at the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant was a true highlight.
Chef Tom Meyer creates cuisine rooted in memory, emotion, and the exceptional ingredients of the region, resulting in a dining experience that feels both deeply personal and distinctly of place.
Our afternoons at Anjuna Beach (Eden Plage Mala) embodied everything I love about the South of France: striped umbrellas, sparkling water, leisurely lunches, sun-warmed stone, and the reminder that beauty often lives in slowing down enough to notice it.
What continues to draw me back to this region isn’t simply the scenery—it’s the lifestyle. The South of France has mastered the art of living well, where food, hospitality, design, culture, and connection are woven seamlessly into everyday life.
Final Thoughts & Reflection
Travel always leaves me creatively refueled, but this particular journey reinforced something I’ve been thinking about often lately: great design isn’t simply visual—it’s emotional.
It’s the feeling of being welcomed.
The texture of linen curtains moving in a breeze.
The glow of candlelight at dinner.
The confidence of bold color in London.
The romance of Parisian cafés.
The ritual of rosé by the sea in the South of France.
The best spaces tell stories long after you leave them.
And perhaps that’s the true luxury of travel—returning home inspired to live a little more beautifully every day.
Like what you see?
There's more where that came from.
