August travel news: editor's picks

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Villa Extramuros, Arraiolos, Portugal

Portugal's latest boutique hotel, on the outskirts of pretty, whitewashed Arraiolos, breaks the creative mould. Inspired by the pre-Roman fortified farmhouses that once dominated the area, Extramuros has a monastic all-white open-plan kitchen, reception and dining area. Five bedrooms over two floors, designed by Jordi Fornells and Gonçalo Byrne protégé Rolf Heinemann, have recessed angular garden terraces edged by sliding glass doors overlooking acres of olive grove. The local natural cork, with its cool, velvety touch and intense aroma, swathes walls and ceilings and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. Quirky Cubist turrets protrude from the roof garden and maximise the natural light below. You can order breakfast, or even a massage, under ancient olive trees by the infinity pool, or take your Mariage Frères tea with a fresh pastry.

Horta do Chaveiro, Caixa postal 209, 7040-114 Arraiolos. Portugal; Tel: 35.1 266429506; www.villaextramuros.com

Writer: Rupert Eden

Jules, Mexico City, Mexico

An arbitrary refrigerator door is the only signage you'll get for this invitation-only speakeasy, hidden in a Mexico City basement. Inside you'll find a macabre mix of black and white leather, woodwork and decorative skulls. 'The ceiling is covered with thousands of pyramids that resemble the trunk of Maya's sacred veiba trees,' explains French designer Emmanuel Picault of Chic by Accident, who outfitted the space, launched by entrepreneurs Alfredo Luengas, David Hernandez and Gerardo Salgado. Cocktails are expertly shaken by Seattle-based mixologist Jay Kuehner; the list includes a rum and champagne-infused Herba Antigua.

Tel: 52.55 5280 1278;  julesbasement.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Jules, Mexico City, Mexico

An arbitrary refrigerator door is the only signage you'll get for this invitation-only speakeasy, hidden in a Mexico City basement. Inside you'll find a macabre mix of black and white leather, woodwork and decorative skulls. 'The ceiling is covered with thousands of pyramids that resemble the trunk of Maya's sacred veiba trees,' explains French designer Emmanuel Picault of Chic by Accident, who outfitted the space, launched by entrepreneurs Alfredo Luengas, David Hernandez and Gerardo Salgado. Cocktails are expertly shaken by Seattle-based mixologist Jay Kuehner; the list includes a rum and champagne-infused Herba Antigua.

Tel: 52.55 5280 1278;  julesbasement.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Jules, Mexico City, Mexico

An arbitrary refrigerator door is the only signage you'll get for this invitation-only speakeasy, hidden in a Mexico City basement. Inside you'll find a macabre mix of black and white leather, woodwork and decorative skulls. 'The ceiling is covered with thousands of pyramids that resemble the trunk of Maya's sacred veiba trees,' explains French designer Emmanuel Picault of Chic by Accident, who outfitted the space, launched by entrepreneurs Alfredo Luengas, David Hernandez and Gerardo Salgado. Cocktails are expertly shaken by Seattle-based mixologist Jay Kuehner; the list includes a rum and champagne-infused Herba Antigua.

Tel: 52.55 5280 1278;  julesbasement.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Jules, Mexico City, Mexico

An arbitrary refrigerator door is the only signage you'll get for this invitation-only speakeasy, hidden in a Mexico City basement. Inside you'll find a macabre mix of black and white leather, woodwork and decorative skulls. 'The ceiling is covered with thousands of pyramids that resemble the trunk of Maya's sacred veiba trees,' explains French designer Emmanuel Picault of Chic by Accident, who outfitted the space, launched by entrepreneurs Alfredo Luengas, David Hernandez and Gerardo Salgado. Cocktails are expertly shaken by Seattle-based mixologist Jay Kuehner; the list includes a rum and champagne-infused Herba Antigua.

Tel: 52.55 5280 1278;  julesbasement.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Canteen Covent Garden, London, UK

Ever since the success of their temporary residence in London's Covent Garden Piazza, Canteen has been a force on the capital's dining scene. Its latest outpost is sited nearby on the ground floor of the Lyceum theatre. British to the core, the restaurant was fitted, once again, by British design studio Very Good & Proper and features the now popular Canteen Utility Chair. Ethically sourced food, served all day, ranges from roast lunches and egg and chips to afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.

21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN; Tel: 44.20 7836 8368; www.canteen.co.uk  

Writer: Lauren Ho

Canteen Covent Garden, London, UK

Ever since the success of their temporary residence in London's Covent Garden Piazza, Canteen has been a force on the capital's dining scene. Its latest outpost is sited nearby on the ground floor of the Lyceum theatre. British to the core, the restaurant was fitted, once again, by British design studio Very Good & Proper and features the now popular Canteen Utility Chair. Ethically sourced food, served all day, ranges from roast lunches and egg and chips to afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.

21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN; Tel: 44.20 7836 8368; www.canteen.co.uk  

Writer: Lauren Ho

Canteen Covent Garden, London, UK

Ever since the success of their temporary residence in London's Covent Garden Piazza, Canteen has been a force on the capital's dining scene. Its latest outpost is sited nearby on the ground floor of the Lyceum theatre. British to the core, the restaurant was fitted, once again, by British design studio Very Good & Proper and features the now popular Canteen Utility Chair. Ethically sourced food, served all day, ranges from roast lunches and egg and chips to afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.

21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN; Tel: 44.20 7836 8368; www.canteen.co.uk  

Writer: Lauren Ho

Canteen Covent Garden, London, UK

Ever since the success of their temporary residence in London's Covent Garden Piazza, Canteen has been a force on the capital's dining scene. Its latest outpost is sited nearby on the ground floor of the Lyceum theatre. British to the core, the restaurant was fitted, once again, by British design studio Very Good & Proper and features the now popular Canteen Utility Chair. Ethically sourced food, served all day, ranges from roast lunches and egg and chips to afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam.

21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7DN; Tel: 44.20 7836 8368; www.canteen.co.uk  

Writer: Lauren Ho

Downtown México, Mexico City

Winner of the 'best fixer-upper hotel' in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City's old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.

Isabel la Católica 30, 06010 México DF, Mexico; Tel: 52.55 5282 2199; www.downtownmexico.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Downtown México, Mexico City

Winner of the 'best fixer-upper hotel' in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City's old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.

Isabel la Católica 30, 06010 México DF, Mexico; Tel: 52.55 5282 2199; www.downtownmexico.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Downtown México, Mexico City

Winner of the 'best fixer-upper hotel' in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City's old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.

Isabel la Católica 30, 06010 México DF, Mexico; Tel: 52.55 5282 2199; www.downtownmexico.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Downtown México, Mexico City

Winner of the 'best fixer-upper hotel' in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City's old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.

Isabel la Católica 30, 06010 México DF, Mexico; Tel: 52.55 5282 2199; www.downtownmexico.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Downtown México, Mexico City

Winner of the 'best fixer-upper hotel' in our 2012 Design Awards, Downtown, which has finally opened its doors, is located right in the heart of Mexico City's old pre-Hispanic city, in one of few remaining 17th-century palaces, the Palacio de los Condes de Miravalle. The red volcanic-rock façade sets the tone for the interior, with its quarry doors, handmade tiles and magnificent stone-forged colonial staircase. Painstakingly restored by the Habita Hotel Group with architects Cherem-Serrano, Downtown responds to the lack of contemporary lodgings in the city centre. On top of the 17 suites, it encompasses a hostel with its own DIY laundry station and ping-pong tables for design-conscious budget travellers. On the massive roof terrace, a pool connects both areas, offering all guests the same incredible views.

Isabel la Católica 30, 06010 México DF, Mexico; Tel: 52.55 5282 2199; www.downtownmexico.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Hotel 17, Valparaiso, Chile

Located smack in Valparaiso, Hotel 17 is the first boutique hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern building is nestled within the steep landscape, surrounded by Valparaiso's vibrant local architecture and tranquil streets. Ten rooms offer incredible views across Valparaiso Bay or Concepcion Hill, and most have a private terrace. Though a restaurant has yet to materialise, 17 offers breakfast and mid-afternoon coffee; and outside you'll find a variety of delicious local street food.

Papudo Street No. 557, Concepción hill, Valparaíso, Chile; Tel: 56.32 3281310; www.hotel17.cl

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Hotel 17, Valparaiso, Chile

Located smack in Valparaiso, Hotel 17 is the first boutique hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern building is nestled within the steep landscape, surrounded by Valparaiso's vibrant local architecture and tranquil streets. Ten rooms offer incredible views across Valparaiso Bay or Concepcion Hill, and most have a private terrace. Though a restaurant has yet to materialise, 17 offers breakfast and mid-afternoon coffee; and outside you'll find a variety of delicious local street food.

Papudo Street No. 557, Concepción hill, Valparaíso, Chile; Tel: 56.32 3281310; www.hotel17.cl

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Hotel 17, Valparaiso, Chile

Located smack in Valparaiso, Hotel 17 is the first boutique hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The modern building is nestled within the steep landscape, surrounded by Valparaiso's vibrant local architecture and tranquil streets. Ten rooms offer incredible views across Valparaiso Bay or Concepcion Hill, and most have a private terrace. Though a restaurant has yet to materialise, 17 offers breakfast and mid-afternoon coffee; and outside you'll find a variety of delicious local street food.

Papudo Street No. 557, Concepción hill, Valparaíso, Chile; Tel: 56.32 3281310; www.hotel17.cl

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Mercato, Shanghai, China

Three-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has teamed up with top Shanghai venue Three on the Bund and designers Neri & Hu to create an Italian destination almost as starry as the chef himself. The Shanghai skyline plays a prominent role in Mercato's interior, along with exposed steelwork and reclaimed wood and leather. Diners have the option of sitting against the panoramic Bund backdrop or perching around the wood-fired oven, which serves up 'light as air' pizzas. At the bar, Italian cocktails are made in full view for those who choose not to indulge in the comprehensive wine list.

No.3 The Bund, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai, China; Tel: 86.21 6323 3355; www.threeonthebund.com

Writer: Nam Kha Tran
 

Mercato, Shanghai, China

Three-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has teamed up with top Shanghai venue Three on the Bund and designers Neri & Hu to create an Italian destination almost as starry as the chef himself. The Shanghai skyline plays a prominent role in Mercato's interior, along with exposed steelwork and reclaimed wood and leather. Diners have the option of sitting against the panoramic Bund backdrop or perching around the wood-fired oven, which serves up 'light as air' pizzas. At the bar, Italian cocktails are made in full view for those who choose not to indulge in the comprehensive wine list.

No.3 The Bund, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai, China; Tel: 86.21 6323 3355; www.threeonthebund.com

Writer: Nam Kha Tran

Park Hyatt Ningbo, Ningbo, China

Perched 500m above sea level, among rural fishing villages and the tea plantations of Mount Fuquan, the Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa offers dramatic views over Dongqian Lake. Its 236 rooms and series of low-lying standalone villas have gabled roofs, open courtyards and gentle landscaping that blend discreetly into the surrounding vista. Emphasising traditional Chinese herbal philosophy, the Yue Hu Spa offers treatments such as the Energising Ear massage, acupressure massage and herbal steam bath - plus an outdoor infinity pool. A private dining room comes complete with a discreet butler.

188 Dayan Road, Dong Qian Lake, Ningbo, China. Tel: 86.574 2888 1234; www.park.hyatt.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Park Hyatt Ningbo, Ningbo, China

Perched 500m above sea level, among rural fishing villages and the tea plantations of Mount Fuquan, the Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa offers dramatic views over Dongqian Lake. Its 236 rooms and series of low-lying standalone villas have gabled roofs, open courtyards and gentle landscaping that blend discreetly into the surrounding vista. Emphasising traditional Chinese herbal philosophy, the Yue Hu Spa offers treatments such as the Energising Ear massage, acupressure massage and herbal steam bath - plus an outdoor infinity pool. A private dining room comes complete with a discreet butler.

188 Dayan Road, Dong Qian Lake, Ningbo, China. Tel: 86.574 2888 1234; www.park.hyatt.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Park Hyatt Ningbo, Ningbo, China

Perched 500m above sea level, among rural fishing villages and the tea plantations of Mount Fuquan, the Park Hyatt Ningbo Resort and Spa offers dramatic views over Dongqian Lake. Its 236 rooms and series of low-lying standalone villas have gabled roofs, open courtyards and gentle landscaping that blend discreetly into the surrounding vista. Emphasising traditional Chinese herbal philosophy, the Yue Hu Spa offers treatments such as the Energising Ear massage, acupressure massage and herbal steam bath - plus an outdoor infinity pool. A private dining room comes complete with a discreet butler.

188 Dayan Road, Dong Qian Lake, Ningbo, China. Tel: 86.574 2888 1234; www.park.hyatt.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Treehouse Suites, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hampshire, UK

Country house hotel Chewton Glen, set in 130 rural acres between New Forest National Park and the South Coast, is a pastoral idyll. And now it boasts an arboreal retreat to enhance its bucolic chic. A dozen 'treetop suites' opened this month in a wooded valley 200m from the main hotel. Created by treehouse specialists Blue Forest, the six circular timber and glass delights contain two suites apiece, featuring wood-burning stoves, hot tubs on the deck and a secret hatch to accommodate breakfast-hamper delivery. High-end hotel and spa designer Martin Hulbert is responsible for the décor of the cabins, perched on stilts with three-metre-wide balconies level with the tree canopy.

New Milton, New Forest, Hampshire, England  BH25 6QS; Tel:  44.1 425 275 341; www.chewtonglen.com

Writer: Clare Dowdy

Treehouse Suites, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hampshire, UK

Country house hotel Chewton Glen, set in 130 rural acres between New Forest National Park and the South Coast, is a pastoral idyll. And now it boasts an arboreal retreat to enhance its bucolic chic. A dozen 'treetop suites' opened this month in a wooded valley 200m from the main hotel. Created by treehouse specialists Blue Forest, the six circular timber and glass delights contain two suites apiece, featuring wood-burning stoves, hot tubs on the deck and a secret hatch to accommodate breakfast-hamper delivery. High-end hotel and spa designer Martin Hulbert is responsible for the décor of the cabins, perched on stilts with three-metre-wide balconies level with the tree canopy.

New Milton, New Forest, Hampshire, England  BH25 6QS; Tel:  44.1 425 275 341; www.chewtonglen.com

Writer: Clare Dowdy

Treehouse Suites, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hampshire, UK

Country house hotel Chewton Glen, set in 130 rural acres between New Forest National Park and the South Coast, is a pastoral idyll. And now it boasts an arboreal retreat to enhance its bucolic chic. A dozen 'treetop suites' opened this month in a wooded valley 200m from the main hotel. Created by treehouse specialists Blue Forest, the six circular timber and glass delights contain two suites apiece, featuring wood-burning stoves, hot tubs on the deck and a secret hatch to accommodate breakfast-hamper delivery. High-end hotel and spa designer Martin Hulbert is responsible for the décor of the cabins, perched on stilts with three-metre-wide balconies level with the tree canopy.

New Milton, New Forest, Hampshire, England  BH25 6QS; Tel:  44.1 425 275 341; www.chewtonglen.com

Writer: Clare Dowdy

Vancouver Urban Winery, Vancouver, Canada

In the heart of Vancouver's Railtown, the once industrial port-side wasteland fast becoming a hub for foodies and designers, Urban Winery serves up sauvignon blanc with style. Young entrepreneurs Mike Macquisten and Steve Thorpe ply their craft wines - from BC's five main regions - in a converted 1920s steel foundry with original fir post-and-beam ceilings contemporised with polished-concrete floors and industrial-chic lighting. It's a true joint with all the charm of a gourmand speakeasy. Complementing the wines are local cheeses, charcuterie and condiments. Meanwhile, the in-house shop offers temptations like organic Singapore-style beef jerky and maple pepper relish.

55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6A 3A3; Tel: 1.604 566 9463; vancouverurbanwinery.com

Writer: Hadani Ditmars

Vancouver Urban Winery, Vancouver, Canada

In the heart of Vancouver's Railtown, the once industrial port-side wasteland fast becoming a hub for foodies and designers, Urban Winery serves up sauvignon blanc with style. Young entrepreneurs Mike Macquisten and Steve Thorpe ply their craft wines - from BC's five main regions - in a converted 1920s steel foundry with original fir post-and-beam ceilings contemporised with polished-concrete floors and industrial-chic lighting. It's a true joint with all the charm of a gourmand speakeasy. Complementing the wines are local cheeses, charcuterie and condiments. Meanwhile, the in-house shop offers temptations like organic Singapore-style beef jerky and maple pepper relish.

55 Dunlevy Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6A 3A3; Tel: 1.604 566 9463; vancouverurbanwinery.com

Writer: Hadani Ditmars

Restaurant Helen, Paris, France

Tucked away on a side street close to the Champs Elysées, next to Hotel Salomon de Rothschild in the flashy 8th arrondisement, restaurant Helen is a place of superlatives. Clad in Mediterranean blues, it is an elegant revamp of the former Chez Catherine, a decadent Parisian institution. Lucie Niney and Thibault Marca of the young architecture practice NeM adorned the interior in the spirit of the sea, with a shell-encrusted reception desk, coral-inspired chandelier and walls coated in mother-of-pearl fish. Chef de cuisine Sébastien Carmona-Porto uses the freshest seafood, served raw, simply grilled or roasted on immaculate Coquet plates dusted with sage, pesto or Taggaisch olives.

3 rue Berryer, 75008 Paris, France; Tel: 33.1 40 76 01 40; www.helenrestaurant.com

Writer: Marie Le Fort

Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It's a problem facing every Olympics host city: what to do with that multimillion-dollar rowing facility until the big event, and then after it. In Rio, home of the 2016 games, the answer is simple. The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon sits in the heart of the city, ringed by modern midrise towers and incredible shear-granite mountains, the most prominent being topped with the famous Cristo Redentor statue. The spectacular site is perfect for dining by night, so the stadium has launched as an upscale gastronomy and lifestyle centre, home to restaurants Gula Gula, Pax Delícia, Quadrifoglio Caffè, Giuseppe and the San Remo Bar. Most memorable is the waterfront terrace, lined with teak lounge seating by Italian manufacturer Roda, where views, and the innovative menu, are incredible. There's also a luxury cinema and a museum-like homage to Brazilian icon Carmen Miranda.

Avenida Borges de Medeiros 1424, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tel: 21. 2529 5300; www.lagoon.com.br

Writer: Scott Mitchem

Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It's a problem facing every Olympics host city: what to do with that multimillion-dollar rowing facility until the big event, and then after it. In Rio, home of the 2016 games, the answer is simple. The Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon sits in the heart of the city, ringed by modern midrise towers and incredible shear-granite mountains, the most prominent being topped with the famous Cristo Redentor statue. The spectacular site is perfect for dining by night, so the stadium has launched as an upscale gastronomy and lifestyle centre, home to restaurants Gula Gula, Pax Delícia, Quadrifoglio Caffè, Giuseppe and the San Remo Bar. Most memorable is the waterfront terrace, lined with teak lounge seating by Italian manufacturer Roda, where views, and the innovative menu, are incredible. There's also a luxury cinema and a museum-like homage to Brazilian icon Carmen Miranda.

Avenida Borges de Medeiros 1424, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tel: 21. 2529 5300; www.lagoon.com.br

Writer: Scott Mitchem

Pollen, Singapore

Brit chef Jason Atherton's love affair with Singapore continues apace. Following his much lauded pintxos restaurant Esquina, in Singapore's Chinatown, he's teamed up with local hotelier Low Lik Peng to open Pollen at the newly minted waterfront biosphere Gardens by the Bay. Singapore-based Columbian architect Antonio Eraso has carved out a light-filled corner of the glass-sheathed Flower Dome and bordered the space with a dense green wall, temperate vegetation and a working garden that supplies fragrant herbs and vegetables for the kitchen. Overseeing the latter is Colin Clague, who has parlayed stints at Zuma in London and Dubai to create a mod-Euro surf and turf menu: think Scottish cured salmon with spiced aubergine and Brittany oyster mayonnaise, or herb-roasted pork belly paired with slow-cooked squid and chorizo, followed by crackling roasted-peanut parfait with a cherry yuzu sorbet. The Singapore restaurant follows on from the acclaimed Pollen Street Social in London.

Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Singapore; Tel: 65. 6604 9988; www.pollen.com.sg

Writer: Daven Wu

Pollen, Singapore

Brit chef Jason Atherton's love affair with Singapore continues apace. Following his much lauded pintxos restaurant Esquina, in Singapore's Chinatown, he's teamed up with local hotelier Low Lik Peng to open Pollen at the newly minted waterfront biosphere Gardens by the Bay. Singapore-based Columbian architect Antonio Eraso has carved out a light-filled corner of the glass-sheathed Flower Dome and bordered the space with a dense green wall, temperate vegetation and a working garden that supplies fragrant herbs and vegetables for the kitchen. Overseeing the latter is Colin Clague, who has parlayed stints at Zuma in London and Dubai to create a mod-Euro surf and turf menu: think Scottish cured salmon with spiced aubergine and Brittany oyster mayonnaise, or herb-roasted pork belly paired with slow-cooked squid and chorizo, followed by crackling roasted-peanut parfait with a cherry yuzu sorbet. The Singapore restaurant follows on from the acclaimed Pollen Street Social in London.

Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-09, Singapore; Tel: 65. 6604 9988; www.pollen.com.sg

Writer: Daven Wu

Urbanista, Beirut, Lebanon

Seeking to create a 'place to bring people together, to be human', Houssam and Zeina el-Eid have taken the ground floor of an aging French Mandate apartment block in Gemmayze and turned it into the kind of café that encourages you to linger longer. Purpose-blended coffees from La Colombe and teas from Smith headline, supported by light meals and naughty desserts. Meanwhile, well-stocked magazine racks and hefty sink-in-a-little-deeper club chairs make tearing yourself away a chore. The interior, by London retail designers Caulder Moore in collaboration with the owners, makes the best of exposed brickwork, ducts, industrial lighting and other urban aesthetica. An on-site boutique carries inspiring accessories and limited-edition homewares. And a cosy back-garden terrace floats as if on a rooftop.

Yanni Building, Rue Goraud, Gemmayze, Beirut, Lebanon; Tel: 96.1 567 811

Writer: Warren Singh-Bartlett

Urbanista, Beirut, Lebanon

Seeking to create a 'place to bring people together, to be human', Houssam and Zeina el-Eid have taken the ground floor of an aging French Mandate apartment block in Gemmayze and turned it into the kind of café that encourages you to linger longer. Purpose-blended coffees from La Colombe and teas from Smith headline, supported by light meals and naughty desserts. Meanwhile, well-stocked magazine racks and hefty sink-in-a-little-deeper club chairs make tearing yourself away a chore. The interior, by London retail designers Caulder Moore in collaboration with the owners, makes the best of exposed brickwork, ducts, industrial lighting and other urban aesthetica. An on-site boutique carries inspiring accessories and limited-edition homewares. And a cosy back-garden terrace floats as if on a rooftop.

Yanni Building, Rue Goraud, Gemmayze, Beirut, Lebanon; Tel: 96.1 567 811

Writer: Warren Singh-Bartlett

Museu da Cerveja, Lisbon, Portugal

Known for its superb wine-making, Portugal also has a rich history of beer-brewing, now celebrated at Museu da Cerveja: a cavernous beer hall housed inside a listed building once occupied by the Ministry of Finance. The edifice, set under the Pombaline arches of Lisbon's central Terreiro do Paço square, is part of a wider urban regeneration project that is slowly gentrifying Lisbon's waterfront Baixa district. Restored by local architect Tiago Silva Dias, Museu da Cerveja combines history with modernity, with the entrance still being marked by a sign that reads 'Ministerio das Finanças'. A Beer Museum on the first floor tells the story of beer-making in Portugal and former colonies Angola, Brazil, Mozambique and Cape Verde, exhibiting ancient copper brewing paraphernalia. The ground floor is home to a shellfish bar and a restaurant offering patrons fresh shrimp, crab and codfish cakes, washed down with cool beer piped straight from the brewery vats. Diners can choose to sit inside on banquettes cocooned by egg-shaped wooden frames, at large dining tables or outside in the square, where a cool breeze comes courtesy of umbrellas equipped with electric fans.

Museu da Cerveja, Terreiro do Paço, Ala Nascente 62, 1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal; tel: 351.210 987 656; www.museudacerveja.pt

Writer: Rupert Eden

Museu da Cerveja, Lisbon, Portugal

Known for its superb wine-making, Portugal also has a rich history of beer-brewing, now celebrated at Museu da Cerveja: a cavernous beer hall housed inside a listed building once occupied by the Ministry of Finance. The edifice, set under the Pombaline arches of Lisbon's central Terreiro do Paço square, is part of a wider urban regeneration project that is slowly gentrifying Lisbon's waterfront Baixa district. Restored by local architect Tiago Silva Dias, Museu da Cerveja combines history with modernity, with the entrance still being marked by a sign that reads 'Ministerio das Finanças'. A Beer Museum on the first floor tells the story of beer-making in Portugal and former colonies Angola, Brazil, Mozambique and Cape Verde, exhibiting ancient copper brewing paraphernalia. The ground floor is home to a shellfish bar and a restaurant offering patrons fresh shrimp, crab and codfish cakes, washed down with cool beer piped straight from the brewery vats. Diners can choose to sit inside on banquettes cocooned by egg-shaped wooden frames, at large dining tables or outside in the square, where a cool breeze comes courtesy of umbrellas equipped with electric fans.

Museu da Cerveja, Terreiro do Paço, Ala Nascente 62, 1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal; tel: 351.210 987 656; www.museudacerveja.pt

Writer: Rupert Eden

Museu da Cerveja, Lisbon, Portugal

Known for its superb wine-making, Portugal also has a rich history of beer-brewing, now celebrated at Museu da Cerveja: a cavernous beer hall housed inside a listed building once occupied by the Ministry of Finance. The edifice, set under the Pombaline arches of Lisbon's central Terreiro do Paço square, is part of a wider urban regeneration project that is slowly gentrifying Lisbon's waterfront Baixa district. Restored by local architect Tiago Silva Dias, Museu da Cerveja combines history with modernity, with the entrance still being marked by a sign that reads 'Ministerio das Finanças'. A Beer Museum on the first floor tells the story of beer-making in Portugal and former colonies Angola, Brazil, Mozambique and Cape Verde, exhibiting ancient copper brewing paraphernalia. The ground floor is home to a shellfish bar and a restaurant offering patrons fresh shrimp, crab and codfish cakes, washed down with cool beer piped straight from the brewery vats. Diners can choose to sit inside on banquettes cocooned by egg-shaped wooden frames, at large dining tables or outside in the square, where a cool breeze comes courtesy of umbrellas equipped with electric fans.

Museu da Cerveja, Terreiro do Paço, Ala Nascente 62, 1100-148 Lisbon, Portugal; tel: 351.210 987 656; www.museudacerveja.pt

Writer: Rupert Eden

Forneria San Paolo, São Paulo, Brazil

It may seem odd to foreigners, but in Brazil it's not unusual for the most successful restaurants to roll out a string of follow-up locations. To do so without diluting one's brand, however, takes creativity and class, which Italian eatery Forneria San Paolo has in spades - thanks to famous Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, who did the original space on nearby Rua Amauri and the second in Rio de Janeiro. Launching the concept's fourth location in São Paulo's sparkling new shopping mall JK Iguatemi (W* 135) also helped preserve the café's cache. Forneria is the open-air centerpiece of the uber-luxury complex, a system of three planters and seventeen wood cubicles centered around a stainless steel bar and awash with natural light from four stories above. Weinfeld manages to create the perfect balance for both patrons and passers-by, where clients can see the foot traffic in the atrium without feeling claustrophobic or on display, and visitors can admire its beauty without intruding. Still, it is the city's newest place to see-and-be-seen.

Forneria San Paolo, Avenida Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek, 2041, São Paulo, Brazil;
Tel: 55.11 3152 6240; www.forneria.com.br

Writer: Scott Mitchem