10 Unexpected Places to Travel This Summer a Guide to Helsinki In

LIVING > TRAVEL 10 Unexpected Places to Travel This Summer

MAY 26, 2017 7:07 AM by CHRISTINA PÉREZ

Figuring out where to go on your summer escape can be a bit daunting. So daunting, you may even be tempted to just go back to wherever you went last summer or wherever everyone else is going . . . or worse, skip the whole excursion all together. But don’t: That would be a terrible waste, especially when there is a whole world’s worth of under-the-radar places out there just waiting for you to discover. To help narrow down the options, we asked a few travel experts to share their favorite unexpected summer vacation destinations. From Algarve on Portugal’s south coast to Sumba in Indonesia to the Greek island of Sifnos (all three of which were mentioned by more than one of our experts, by the way), here are 10 glorious ideas for where to go. Best of all? You probably won’t run into anyone you know.

Sifnos, Greece Photo: Courtesy of Black Tomato Sifnos, Greece Sifnos is a standout among the Cyclades Islands in Greece and should be top of the list for discerning travelers seeking a laid-back, culturally enriching escape this summer. This under-the-radar alternative to bustling Mykonos and Santorini is known to many as the island of ﬂavors—and for good reason. Tempting dishes such as chickpea balls, mastélo (lamb cooked in red wine and spices), and the sweetest honey pie are to die for. The rustic island welcomes travelers into traditional Greek island life with its whitewashed villages, secluded beaches, perfect climate, and 227 churches and monasteries dotted along the coastline.

Where to Stay: The Elies Resort is a 32-room haven known for its romantic elegance, Cycladic-style rooms, and direct access to Vathi beach. — Tom Marchant, cofounder and owner, Black Tomato

Faroe Islands Photo: Alamy Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are made up of 18 small islands in the North Atlantic Ocean roughly between Iceland and Norway. On a map they look like pinpricks, but upon landing you realize that the islands are hugely imposing and sturdy and so beautiful you’ll have to keep checking your own pulse to make sure you’re actually alive. It isn’t the easiest place to get to, but after spending some time there, it’ll be even harder to leave. The people are immediately warm, wonderfully earthy, and interesting; almost everyone I met spoke multiple languages and had traveled extensively, not something you may expect to find in such a small, isolated society. The islands have their own language, literature, art, and—of course—food. Ancient techniques of preserving fish, meat, and eggs are still in use and you’ll encounter flavors that just don’t exist anywhere else. Try the skerpikjøt, which is lamb fermented by sea air—you won’t be sorry.

Where to Stay: Hotel Føroyar was designed by Danish architects Friis & Moltke and looks as if it has been carved directly into the land. —Erin Spens, editor, Boat magazine

Adelaide, Australia Photo: Alamy Adelaide, Australia If Melbourne, with its colorful laneways, coffee shops, and heaps of top-notch restaurants, is Australia’s foodie capital, then the nearby state of South Australia would be the foodie state. Start in Adelaide, which feels a little like Portland in pace and love for food. Just an hour-drive away is the Barossa Valley, which makes some of the country’s finest wines from some of the world’s oldest vines. Right in town is the original Penfolds Magill Estate, and 20 minutes outside of town is the Basket Range wine region, which is leading the country’s natural winemaking movement. Go to Lost in a Forest for organic pizzas, more wine, margaritas and Negronis in a 130-year-old church. Since you’re there anyway, you may as well take a small plane over to Port Lincoln, just an hour away and home to the largest fishing fleet of the Southern Hemisphere where you can eat your fill of oyster, bluefin tuna, and abalone.

Where to Stay: The locals know The Mayfair to be one of the best in town— comfortable beds, large bathrooms, friendly service, and ideal location. In the Barossa, you could indulge in a vineyard retreat at The Louise with 15 private villas, each with their own terrace. —Leiti Hsu, cofounder, Journy

Portugal Photo: Alamy Portugal Algarve, that beautiful stretch of land all the way in the southwest of the country, at the tip of Europe. The coast has always been breathtaking, with green mountains, spectacular cliffs, and hidden beaches all over. The surf scene is vibrant, and with that comes a carefree attitude toward life that is infectious. But in recent years, something else has happened: The country’s design scene has blossomed and new restaurants have been opening left and right.

Where to Stay: Pay a quick visit to Lisbon or Porto, then rent a car and head down the coast to Algarve and create some fantastic summer memories. Casa Mãe in Lagos opened last year; its owner, Veronique Polaert, is a French expat who has an incredible eye for design. She assembled the best and brightest from the region, commissioned furniture and artworks from local artists, and created an oasis in the middle of this historic city. The hotel has its own farm outside the city, so the food in the restaurant is simply wonderful. —Anna Peuckert, cofounder and editor, 12hrs

One of my top picks for summer is Lisbon, both for the city itself and as a starting point for exploring smaller towns and villages—like Sintra and Colares, an ancient town known for its very old vines. Toward the north, Nazaré, Óbidos, and Peniche all have beautiful beaches that are off the typical tourist track.

Where to Stay: My favorite place to stay is a beautiful boutique hotel called Areias do Seixo, about an hour outside of Lisbon. Areias do Seixo offers both hotel rooms and villas. While the villas may seem like a great deal with three bedrooms, opt for the main hotel rooms, which are much more luxurious and beautifully designed. —Leiti Hsu, cofounder, Journy

Åland Islands, Finland Photo: Alamy Åland Islands, Finland Summer’s seasonal warm temperatures and long sunny days make it the best time to explore the undiscovered landscape of the Åland Islands in Finland. Travelers can get lost discovering Finland’s archipelagos, taking advantage of opportunities to cycle, hike, kayak, and swim around the island. June is also a great time to visit Helsinki, as the city comes alive with a series of festivals and events celebrating Finnish culture and design.

Where to Stay: Be sure to check in to the Hermit Cabin, a four-man cabin offering unparalleled seclusion and only accessible via kayak. This cute, rustic abode boasts its own sauna, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of adventure. —Tom Marchant, cofounder and owner, Black Tomato

Copenhagen, Denmark Photo: Alamy Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen is a favorite spot that doesn’t get talked about much in summer. I suspect it’s because the locals want it for themselves. The weather is perfect, there are only four hours of darkness at night, and the culinary scene is incredible. You can visit the ﬁne-dining restaurant Kadeau at its secluded Bornholm Island location. It’s a short 30-minute plane ride and absolutely worth the journey; there’s also the Hotel Nordlandet where you can spend the night.

Where to Stay: The most luxurious yet intimate place to stay is without question the Hotel Nimb. It’s a boutique property done in a stunning Arabian style with only 17 rooms. —Susan Ho, cofounder, Journy

Tofino, British Columbia Photo: Alamy Tofino, British Columbia Tofino is an epic cold-water surfer’s paradise with peeling waves in protected coves that break on soft sandy beaches with only a few surfers in the lineup. The hamlet— just a speck in a massive harbor dotted with tiny islands covered with pristine forests— has delicious food, coffee, a great bookstore, and everything you need for a getaway. Hike through forests to get to hot springs, get around on boats to visit floating houses, watch bears shaking berries off shrubs and catching salmon in streams—there is so much to do and see.

Where to Stay: Wya Point is outside of town with no cell reception and poor Internet access but there are a series of yurts right on the beach surrounded by forests. We spent our time unplugged; most nights we cooked fresh crab picked up from a ﬁsherman in town and sat around the ﬁre drinking wine and local beer. —Emily Nathan, founder, Tiny Atlas Quarterly

Namibia Photo: Alamy Namibia I just came back from Namibia, which is an incredible and often overlooked African destination that combines wildlife viewing, amazing landscapes, both desert and coast, and cultural interactions with the Himba people.

Where to Stay: Don’t miss a stay at Sossuvlei Desert Lodge, which has great stargazing (and star beds), or Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, where you can see the desert-adapted elephant. —Melissa Bradley, founder and CEO, Indagare

Komodo Island, Indonesia Photo: Courtesy of Black Tomato Indonesia Indonesia’s Komodo islands are ideal for intrepid families and honeymooners who want an experience all to themselves, away from other tourists. Best explored via luxury sailboat, these remote islands offer the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can hike volcanoes, enjoy diving lessons in coral atolls, try paddleboard yoga, swim with whale sharks, visit villages to witness traditional weaving, get up close to mighty Komodo dragons, and, of course, unwind and master the art of chilling.

Where to Stay: There’s no better home base than the new Dunia Baru, an über- luxurious boat offering seven exquisite en-suite cabins and ample space to relax over three decks. With iPad controllers and a Sonos sound system hooked up throughout, Dunia Baru effortlessly combines traditional techniques with modern technology for a truly over-the-top getaway. —Tom Marchant, cofounder and owner, Black Tomato

The island of Sumba has been a secret favorite among surfers for years and its special resort, Nihiwatu, is drawing those who love beaches, pristine nature, and local interactions.

Where to Stay: Spend a few days at Nihiwatu and then explore the remote islands on the Aman boat, Aman-i-khan. —Melissa Bradley, founder and CEO, Indagare

Baja California, Mexico Photo: Alamy Baja California, Mexico It’s easy to forget that Mexico’s landmass is as big as Europe’s, and all the country’s in-the-know foodies know that Baja California is where the finest seafood is to be found as well as a burgeoning winemaking scene. I like to go high-low, eating everywhere from hole-in-the-walls to fine-dining restaurants, like Corazón de Tierra in Valle de Guadalupe by Diego Hernández, ranked on the Latin America 50 Best list. Hernández combines influences from international travel with a back-to-the-land approach and has experience working under Mexican greats like Enrique Olvera. All of this is about an hour’s flight away from LAX.

Where to Stay: The six-room boho-chic B&B Villa del Valle adjoins Corazón de Tierra. There’s nothing like being able to roll over into bed after just one more glass of Baja Californian wine. You’ll be very well-fed, and the owners also make their own wine. It’s also an ideal launchpad from which to visit the 60-ish wineries in the region. —Leiti Hsu, cofounder, Journy

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LIVING > TRAVEL A Guide to Helsinki in Honor of Finland’s 100th Anniversary

MAY 25, 2017 3:27 PM by LACY MORRIS

Helsinki from above Photo: Courtesy of Jussi Hellsten

So far, 2017 has been a banner year for Finland, that top-of-the-globe locale that lies— at least part of it—within the Arctic Circle. Sports Illustrated ﬂew supermodels Hailey Clauson and Bojana Krsmanovic there to pose with the reindeer and huskies for its annual swimsuit issue. Bachelor Nick Viall hopped from hut to igloo during his fantasy-suite dates, eventually choosing his ﬁancée-to-be in a decked-out Lapland lodge. National Geographic and Lonely Planet both wrote the Nordic nation in on their annual “where to go in 2017” lists, each crediting the country’s 100th anniversary as the reason behind the roster of new restaurant and hotel openings that are keeping it in the news this year. And Finland has recently been named the world’s safest place to travel.

Finland’s pristine—and in some places, untouched—natural beauty is the perfect counterpart to its cosmopolitan capital city of Helsinki, which has something to offer every season of the year. But in the summer, the city comes out of its winter slumber with a slew of festivals and markets, and endless (it’s quite literally endless, as June and July see the sun rise around 4 a.m. and stay up until around 11 p.m.) sunny days. Here’s what you should do if you’re planning a trek to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Loyly Photo: Courtesy of Pekka Keranen

See It Through Saunas It would be a mistake to think that the Finnish connection with the sauna is a thing of the past. It’s still very much a part of daily life, and it’s fair to say that it’s even been experiencing a bit of a renaissance as of late due to a few buzzy new openings. One of the newest comes by way of Anu Puustinen and Ville Hara of local architecture ﬁrm Avanto. They’re responsible for the cutting-edge design of Löyly, a public sauna fronting the Baltic Sea—a prime location considering the Finns’ aﬃnity for taking a polar dip in the dead of winter. In the summer, the structure’s massive outdoor terrace is the place to try a taste of Napue gin—it took home the prize in the gin and tonic category at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Lokal Photo: Courtesy of Lokal

See It Through Design A somewhat stark and simple aesthetic is the hallmark of Scandinavian design, and there’s no better place to source goods abroad than in this Finnish capital. Helsinki’s Design District is easy to manage—it’s roughly 25 streets with 200-some spots—and you can pick up a free map in nearly any of the shops. Lokal is a fantastic starting point; the front is a rotating art exhibit and the back serves as a concept store and coffee shop. In the Arabianranta neighborhood, a location known for its high concentration of art and design destinations, the newly opened Iittala & Arabia Design Centre brings together two of Finland’s most iconic brands. There’s a café, museums showcasing the brands’ historic designs, a shop to purchase some of the newer housewares, and a Design Lab where artists and students can hone their craft.

Nuuksio National Park Photo: Courtesy of Hendrik Morkel

See It Through Nature To get a feel for Lapland, you needn’t go far. Nuuksio National Park, just a 20-minute drive outside of the city, brings nature to Helsinki. All year round there’s a wealth of ways to breathe some fresh air: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, ﬁshing, climbing, berry and mushroom picking. Nearby on the shores of Lake Pitkäjärvi, the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is a good place to start. Its structure is an attraction in itself: It’s made entirely of wood, and heated and cooled solely by the sun and earth.

Market Square Photo: Courtesy of Vastavalo and Eero J. Laamanen

See It Through Markets Helsinki’s most famous, Market Square, is open every weekday (plus weekends in summer) and its vendors hawk everything from food to ﬂowers. Its location on the South Harbor at the end of Esplanade Park makes for a particularly scenic stop. One of the coolest things about this place is the annual Baltic Herring Market each October, which has been going since 1743. The ﬁshermen working on the Baltic Sea bring their salted herring to market, as well as a selection of herring marinades, like rowan berries and red pepper. The Old Market Hall is another must-stop shop to sample local cuisine, as well as Hakaniemi Market Hall, which has a good selection of homemade goods and handicrafts.

Juniper Salted Elk at Finnjävel Photo: Courtesy of Teemu Boman

Eat It The city’s foodie scene has taken off in recent years, with some big-name chefs and publications taking note. There are four restaurants with Michelin stars, as well as places that are doing unique and thoughtful local dishes. Sandro is a fantastic lunch spot that serves North African and Middle Eastern ﬂavors using all the local produce it can. Finnjävel is a new Finnish restaurant that, in addition to using Finnish ingredients, prepares the dishes using traditional Finnish cooking methods—the open kitchen provides a sous chef–style view. One of the most famous and upscale restaurants in Helsinki is Chef & Sommelier. Expect hardcore Nordic ingredients—like beetroot, reindeer, and cloudberries—and each dish to be paired with precision.

Holiday Photo: Courtesy of Holiday

Drink It Helsinki’s nightlife scene proves that Finns know how to party. Trillby & Chadwick is an amazing little speakeasy doing some pretty inventive things behind the bar—and outside of it. It’s located down an alley, and to get in, you ﬁrst have to pick up a phone and ask. A slot in the door opens if you’re approved. Its sister property, Liberty or Death is in the city’s Design District. It’s slightly less undercover, but its dark speakeasy scene feels intimate and casual. Holiday is a beautiful, laid-back space decorated in palm fronds and pastels, and like its name suggests, you feel like you’re on holiday. Technically you’re located on an island—there are 300-some islands around Helsinki—but this one, Katajanokka, is accessed via a footbridge off Market Square. A21 uses a lot of local ingredients—like Finnish berries or bark from birch trees—and has an extensive gin and tonic library. And, fun fact: Did you know that Finland has the largest coffee consumption per capita in the world? You can get it anywhere, at any time of the day. Kallio is a new up-and-coming district with lots of great boutique shops, local restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s off the main tourist strip and still relatively under the radar. Good Life Coffee is one of the more loved coffee joints in the area, but Kaffa Roastery is great, too.

Klaus K Photo: Courtesy of Design Hotels

Book It Right down in the city center, Klaus K is a design-forward boutique hotel that makes it easy to hit up Helsinki’s Design District on foot. Hotel Haven’s waterfront locale affords stellar views of Helsinki’s harbor, and while it has just 77 rooms, it’s one of the more luxurious options in the city. Hotel Kämp, the grande dame of Helsinki stays, is elegant, over-the-top, and a gold mine for Finnish upper-crust history. Inside Hotel Lilla Roberts, a warm blend of Nordic and Art Deco creates a ﬁne welcome, and an extra perk is the fact that the property has a fantastic bar on the premises, Lilla E.

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LIVING > TRAVEL Why Tai Hang Is Hong Kong’s Coolest Corner

MAY 25, 2017 2:29 PM by KATE SPRINGER

The Tai Hang district of Hong Kong Photo: Alamy

The words “quiet” and “calm” don’t immediately spring to mind when envisioning a holiday in Hong Kong. After all, the Asian metropolis is better known for its futuristic architecture and neon-lit skyline than its cozy corners. But hidden away just off Causeway Bay—the city’s most frenetic fashion district—the Tai Hang neighborhood offers a laid-back alternative to all the buzz. Slow-paced yet rapidly evolving, the enclave is home to a wellspring of restaurants, vintage stores, artisanal coffee shops, and a growing lineup of design-driven boutiques. Here’s what to do in the area if you’re planning a trip:

Where to Stay Injecting new energy to the neighborhood, Little Tai Hang opened earlier this year. The design-driven boutique hotel exudes a contemporary British feel, with a few vintage furniture pieces and a lounge in the lobby. The 91 rooms have details like quirky illustrations and bright artwork reﬂect the hotel’s creative ethos. But the pièce de résistance? The view. Each room features a full wall of windows, framing either the iconic Victoria Harbour and Victoria Park to the north, or the Lin Fa Temple and forested hills.

Located just a ﬁve-minute walk east, albeit technically in the adjacent Tin Hau neighborhood, another boutique hotel offers a completely different vibe. The 66-room Tuve hotel is as sleek as it gets: Guests enter through a chamber-like tunnel, which opens into a cool concrete, metal, and marble lobby. From there it’s all minimalist design and seclusion—perfect for travelers who are looking for a fashion-forward home base.

Where to Eat You can’t take a step in Tai Hang without seeing a café crowd spilling into an alleyway or an open-air dai pai dong (local outdoor café) in action. For a taste of the area’s best culinary chops, try Second Draft—on the ground ﬂoor of the Little Tai Hang hotel. The contemporary gastropub is a collaboration between local craft brewer Young Master Ales and one of Asia’s top chefs, May Chow. There are dozens of craft beers on tap, as well as one of the city’s most delicious Negronis and a menu full of Asian-inspired pub food—think squid-ink croquettes and Sichuan-esque “mapo” burrata.

Upstairs, Bond offers a breezy terrace where you can unwind with wine and European comfort food, made with ingredients from Hong Kong’s local wet markets. Inside, the raw-industrial decor combines wooden tables and a retro vibe—a popular space for big groups looking to unwind over truﬄe spaghetti and homemade strozzapreti pasta.

Offering a taste of Asian cuisine, Gu Ma Ma is always overﬂowing with diners. It might have something to do with the family-style dishes, including the likes of Shandong dumplings, spicy dandan noodles, and Taiwanese-style fried chicken. Around the corner, a string of Japanese ramen, teppanyaki, and sushi restaurants make for intimate date spots, especially I M Teppanyaki & Wine, which earned a star in the 2017 Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau.

Elsewhere in Tai Hang, Unar Coffee Company is somewhat of an institution. You can usually spot the hole-in-the-wall address by the stylish crowd mingling outside—as the café has just a handful of seats. While the baristas know how to press an excellent espresso, they also get a little creative with their drinks—ask about the Iced Cucumber Latte to offset the hot Hong Kong summer, or the Mocha Shakerato, which is shaken like a cocktail for a light and frothy result.

Tea lovers will appreciate Jrink, a contemporary gem with more than 120 house-made tea blends—some of which are prepared in a Steampunk brewing system. This colorful spot takes its style seriously, offering a lineup of gorgeous tea and phone accessories to take home with you.

Just a short walk to the border to Causeway Bay, an always-packed Din Tai Fung promises steamed baskets of its famous hand-folded xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Though originally from Taiwan, the restaurant has stolen many a Hong Kong heart with its all-day dim sum menu.

Where to Shop Tai Hang is not just a quaint place to stay, it’s also highly strategic. The neighborhood is situated on the edge of Hong Kong’s most famous shopping district, making it easy to access the city’s top fashion while staying a bit removed from the chaotic streets.

While on the doorstep of Causeway Bay, mega-mall Times Square (Hong Kong’s version is a tower of fashion and food) provides a glimpse into the city’s love affair with all things commercial. Nearby, travelers can load up on Gucci and Louis Vuitton at Lee Gardens, or explore Japanese and Korean labels at Hysan Place.

And for luxury streetwear? Indie shop Ink eschews mainstream names in favor of avant-garde brands, such as Paris-based label Aganovich and breakout Chinese fashion designer Uma Wang, who showed during London, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks. Each handpicked designer has a street style vibe and contemporary tailoring—but don’t expect to ﬁnd many shades other than monochrome in this artsy space.

While Causeway Bay might be the epicenter of style, the quiet streets of Tai Hang and Tin Hau have a few indie boutiques worth seeking out. Microwave, a buttonhole boutique in Tai Hang, is one of the city’s most beloved vintage shops. A stroll through this high-voltage shop will take you back to the ’80s with loud retro looks and even a few contemporary ﬁnds from independent designers. Among the racks, look for experimental art and fashion collective Andrea Crews, German designer Bernhard Willhelm, and Copenhagen-based Rene Gurskov.

Meanwhile, Incredible Shop promises a mix of menswear and gender-neutral options, much of which are exclusive to the store. The boutique stocks a shortlist of accessories and apparel, including backpacks from Bagjack that are handmade in Berlin, plus ID Dailywear chinos and supersoft Good On tees from Japan.

What to Do A wander around the neighborhood will take you past the 19th-century Lin Fa Temple, sporting graceful eaves and a unique octagonal front hall. It’s here where the annual Fire Dragon Dance takes place during Mid-Autumn Festival, usually in September. A centuries-old ritual, the traditional dance features some 300 performers with incense sticks and ﬁrecrackers—believed to extinguish bad luck.

Behind the temple, Lin Fa Kung Garden provides a peaceful resting spot. Of course, the tiny square of green pales in comparison to nearby Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, which is just a few minutes’ walk northwest. The equivalent of Central Park in New York City, this green sprawl offers jogging paths, tennis courts, shady corners, and Tai Chi sessions every morning.

Come evening, a handful of wine bars open their doors and tipplers spill out into the alleyways. One of the most popular is La Brezza—a no-frills address with a charming courtyard and European vibe. Where the neighborhood lacks in trendy cocktail bars, it makes up for in desserts. There’s Lab Made, serving liquid nitrogen ice cream, as well as Le Goût and BlissHive Bakery Café—both brimming with cakes and pastries.

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