We are excited to charge full steam ahead into this new year. Whilst a simple change of pace and sense of optimism are at the top of our list; there are several other things we’re looking forward to as well. Both at home and abroad, here are some of the things we want to see, do, experience and eat during the next 12 months. Let’s usher in the new.
Capital hotspots
Although we spent much time at home in 2020, we couldn’t enjoy our city as much as usual. In 2021, we’ll definitely be revisiting our old favourites – whilst exploring these welcome new additions to the capital.
Hôtel Costes, London
One of Paris’ perennially cool hotels will open in London this spring. Located on Sloane Square in a beautiful building, interiors and atmosphere throughout – and at the rooftop bar and restaurant – will be curated by Jean-Louis Costes in the same vein as the Paris stalwart.
Eataly London
London will finally get its own outpost of the celebrated Italian food hall early this year. Located near Liverpool Street station at Broadgate, the massive location (42,000 square feet) will house the marketplace and several restaurants as well as an extensive wine shop.
Caviar Kaspia London
We’ve been waiting since 2018, when rumours of a London location first emerged, for Caviar Kaspia to make an appearance. It looks like the time has finally come. Located in Mayfair, it will be opulent just like the Paris original and feature special location-specific menu items.
Akelarre London
Pedro Subijana’s restaurant in San Sebastián earned him three Michelin-stars. Now, the celebrated Basque cuisine will grace the palates of diners in London. Details are scarce, but we know it will appear this year.
Destination: Mexico
A slew of new hotels are opening in our favourite destination in Central America. Whilst you might have visited Tulum or Mexico City, why not venture a bit further into the tropical paradise and explore these properties, before Soho House opens next year and the crowds really begin to arrive…
Amanvari, East Cape Baja, Mexico
Designed to maintain harmony with the surrounding natural landscape, this serene property is located on a private white sand beach along the Sea of Cortés.
Auberge, Susurros del Corazon, Punta de Mita, Mexico
Located in Punta de Mita on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this jaw-dropping property seamlessly blends outside with in. The stylish aesthetic will nod to the bohemian, surf-chic culture for which the area is known.
Books on TV
We have been spoilt for choice with good TV shows over the past few years, and 2021 will prove no different. Newly though, some of our favourite bestselling novels have been adapted into TV programmes. Here are a few that we’ll be tuning into.
The Underground Railroad
Barry Jenkins’ much-anticipated adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will finally hit the small screen via Amazon in 2021. Expect heartbreaking, nail-biting storytelling, set to the incredible real-life story of the mid-1800s Underground Railroad.
Station Eleven
This dystopian novel's TV adaptation about a fictional pandemic might have hit a bit too close to home in 2020. Hopefully, we’ll be able to look back comparatively in 2021 without it being quite as relevant…
Daisy Jones and the Six
Encapsulating all the magic of the bohemian vibes of the late 1960s and 70s, Reese Witherspoon’s conversion of this best-selling novel into TV is sure to be escapism at its best.
Entertain me
We had to shelf some of the events and entertainment we were excited about during 2020. Alas, it appears as though 2021 will be our year to experience most of the things we were forced to temporarily bid adieu to – here are a few of the things for which we cannot wait.
No Time to Die
The release of the 25th Bond film was put on pause in 2020, so Universal could maximise the theatre screenings – a move which we wholeheartedly understand. This is a film meant to be seen on the big screen. April cannot come fast enough!
Glastonbury
Glastonbury 2020 was set to be one of the festival’s biggest years yet, celebrating its 50th birthday. The lineup and details are still being ironed out within the changing public health parameters; 2020 was set to host Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar on the Pyramid Stage, so we’re sure 2021 will be of the same calibre.
Yayoi Kusama Infinity Rooms at Tate Modern
The art installation that set off millions of Instagram selfies – and a global phenomenon – was booked at Tate Modern for spring 2020. The installation was initially made for Kusama’s 2012 retrospective at the museum. It will be shown alongside Chandelier of Grief, a mirrored room that creates the illusion of endless chandeliers above and below viewers.
Rediscovering Europe
Our journeys to the continent were few and far between amidst the restrictions of 2020. We plan to make up for lost time this year, and a bunch of new openings are ready to welcome us with open arms.
One&Only Kéa Island, Greece
This beachfront resort on the Aegean Sea is framed by olive groves and lush forests on one side, golden sand on the other. Grecian architecture will pair with privacy and unparalleled luxury for an exceptional vacation experience.
Soho House Paris
The long-awaited opening of this House, located in Pigalle, will come this year. It will have bedrooms, as well as a pool – a rarity in the City Of Light.
Ischia by Cyril Lignac
The Michelin-starred chef opens a restaurant in Paris’ 15th Arr. that pays homage to the volcanic island's cuisine, a favourite vacation destination of Italians, off the Amalfi coast.
The Hoxton, Rome
A large hotel decorated in mid-century Italian style, in Salario, The Hoxton Rome will have a bright terrace and open, inviting coffee bar and lobby restaurant – catering to locals and tourists alike.
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has renovated a beautiful Belle Époque palace on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The stunning property will provide proximity to some of Switzerland’s most popular attractions and offer the luxury and service standard for which the hotel group has become known.
For more info on our picks, please contact your lifestyle manager. To book travel, please contact Quintessentially Travel here.
