September travel news: editor's picks

Elqui Domos, Chile

Sited within Chile's Andes-sheltered Valle de Elqui, this eco-resort has had a makeover by Santiago-based architect Rodrigo Duque Motta of RDM Arquitectura, who not only redesigned the existing seven geodesic-dome rooms and common areas, but also created an additional four cabins. The new cube-like structures are fashioned entirely from local wood. Slightly elevated, they've been positioned to make the most of the endless scenery; each comprises its own roof deck and a glass ceiling above the bed - perfect for a spot of stargazing.

Camino Publico Pisco Elqui a Horcon, km 3.5, Pisco Elqui, Chile; tel: 56.9 7709 2879; www.elquidomos.cl

Writer: Sara Henrichs
Photography: Cristóbal Palma

La Petite Bretagne, London, UK

If the warm, reassuring French-bistro interior doesn't entice, how about this updated version? London's newest crêperie, La Petite Bretagne, was designed by local outfit Paul Crofts Studio, which based the pared-back bistro-inspired interior on the intimate atmosphere of a domestic kitchen. Owner Antoine Détrie, a London-based Frenchman, commissioned illustrator Katharine Gorham to screen-print the custom ash communal table with tablecloth-style gingham; the concrete counter has an abstract graphic that continues through to the floor. In stark contrast are homely details like ash shelves printed with a lace pattern by Gorham and stacked with French pantry imports and nostalgic prints. Classic crêpes are made to order with traditional cheeses and fresh produce.

5-7 Beadon Road, London; www.lapetitebretagne.co.uk

Writer: Lauren Ho

Attimo, São Paulo, Brazil

Housed in an iconic villa designed by David Libeskind, Attimo is São Paulo's most exciting new fine-dining destination - no surprise considering its impeccable provenance as the brainchild of Marcelo Fernandes (of the legendary Kinoshita restaurant) and celebrated chef Jefferson Rueda. Rueda's menu is inspired by home-cooked Italian fare - he calls it 'Italo-Caipira', or country Italian - passed down by immigrants working the land around São Paulo. The concept might sound casual but the experience is not. The building's signature 'cobogó', or patterned partition, is a focal point. It was restored by local architect Naoki Otake, who used marble and Brazilian hardwood to craft a clean, sophisticated two-level space around it, not to mention an impressive glass-enclosed wine room, demo kitchen and private dining area. Landscaping by Gilberto Elkis helps to make the terrace an especially pleasant place to lose yourself for the better part of a day.

Attimo, Rua Diogo Jácome 341; tel: 55.11 5054 9999; www.attimorestaurante.com.br

Writer: Scott Mitchem

The Tacofino Commissary, Vancouver, Canada

It might seem odd that one of Vancouver's most acclaimed kitchens is in a bright orange truck with an image of the Virgen de Guadalupe poised to bite down on a taco. But for some years now Tacofino has been dishing out what locals insist are the best Baja-inspired tacos in British Columbia. And now owners Ryan Spong, Kaeli Robinsong and Jason Sussman have set up a bricks-and-mortar space in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Hastings-Sunrise in East Vancouver. They had designer Omer Arbel strip a former Malaysian restaurant back to the studs and anchor the space with handsome communal tables and benches made from rescued timber and steel tubes. They're lit by an aerie of glass bulbs that double as pots for succulents and cacti. Already Tacofino fans are crowding the small space to partake in the menu of bocadillos; shared platters of tamales stuffed with prawns, crispy masa, lardons and egg; and tacos filled with tempura-battered lingcod and chipotle mayo.

2327 East Hastings, Vancouver; tel: 1.604 253 8226, www.tacofino.com

Writer: Daven Wu

Unico, Shanghai, China

The Bund, Shanghai's glittering riverside strip, has long been the epicentre of the city's cosmopolitan ambitions. So it's only appropriate one of its brightest lights is a Latin tapas lounge. Touted as the largest of its kind in Asia, Unico was conceived by French-Argentine architect Marcelo Joulia as an intimate gentlemen's club. This explains the mood lighting, deep Chesterfield banquettes and low-slung, mismatched armchairs that anchor a marble-clad bar over which hovers a polyhedronal ice sculpture. In the kitchen, executive chef Thibaut Pouplard teams up with the Michelin-starred Mauro Colgreco to mastermind an exquisitely inventive menu of crackling baby pork with creamy polenta, and lobsters stewed with peanut oil, coconut and tomatoes. From the bar, mango and rosemary caipirinhas and agave and coriander mojitos make perfect post-prandial cocktails.

Three on the Bund, 2nd Floor, No.3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai; tel: 86.21 5308 5399; www.unico.cn.com

Writer: Daven Wu

Unico, Shanghai, China

The Bund, Shanghai's glittering riverside strip, has long been the epicentre of the city's cosmopolitan ambitions. So it's only appropriate one of its brightest lights is a Latin tapas lounge. Touted as the largest of its kind in Asia, Unico was conceived by French-Argentine architect Marcelo Joulia as an intimate gentlemen's club. This explains the mood lighting, deep Chesterfield banquettes and low-slung, mismatched armchairs that anchor a marble-clad bar over which hovers a polyhedronal ice sculpture. In the kitchen, executive chef Thibaut Pouplard teams up with the Michelin-starred Mauro Colgreco to mastermind an exquisitely inventive menu of crackling baby pork with creamy polenta, and lobsters stewed with peanut oil, coconut and tomatoes. From the bar, mango and rosemary caipirinhas and agave and coriander mojitos make perfect post-prandial cocktails.

Three on the Bund, 2nd Floor, 3 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai; tel: 86.21 5308 5399; www.unico.cn.com

Writer: Daven Wu

Finca Cortesín Beach Club, Malaga, Spain

Visitors to the spectacular Cortesin estate can get their fine Mediterranean cuisine without sacrificing the stunning sea views at the new Finca Cortesín Beach Club. Located right on Bahía de Casares beach, about 1km from the main hotel, it can claim some of the freshest seafood in the Costa del Sol - and, for the carnivores, Iberian ham fired up on the grill. Open-air and covered seating areas, punctuated with splashes of Andalusian white are kept as exclusive as possible, bordered by gardens and a moat-sized infinity pool.

Carretera de Casares s/n E-29690, Casares, Málaga; tel: 34.9 5293 7800; www.fincacortesin.com

Writer: Nam Kha Tran

L'Iglesia Hotel, El Jadida, Morocco

A 16th-century converted church in the Unesco heritage city of El Jadida, this 13-suite jewel is the latest project from French-born Jean Dominique Leymarie, the man behind Marrakech's Beldi Country Club. Leymarie took on the interiors as well, which marry French-influenced Art Deco furniture (the Mathieu Matégot chairs are a pleasant surprise) with old radios, hats, bags, mirrors, chandeliers and rugs handpicked from the souks. Intricate decorative detailing and vaulted ceilings add to the drama - as does the rooftop terrace, overlooking the historic Portuguese ramparts and the Atlantic coast.

Tel: 212.661 32 44 75; www.boutiquesouk.com

Writer: Sara Henrichs

L'Iglesia Hotel, El Jadida, Morocco

A 16th-century converted church in the Unesco heritage city of El Jadida, this 13-suite jewel is the latest project from French-born Jean Dominique Leymarie, the man behind Marrakech's Beldi Country Club. Leymarie took on the interiors as well, which marry French-influenced Art Deco furniture (the Mathieu Matégot chairs are a pleasant surprise) with old radios, hats, bags, mirrors, chandeliers and rugs handpicked from the souks. Intricate decorative detailing and vaulted ceilings add to the drama - as does the rooftop terrace, overlooking the historic Portuguese ramparts and the Atlantic coast.

Tel: 212.661 32 44 75; www.boutiquesouk.com

L'Iglesia Hotel, El Jadida, Morocco

A 16th-century converted church in the Unesco heritage city of El Jadida, this 13-suite jewel is the latest project from French-born Jean Dominique Leymarie, the man behind Marrakech's Beldi Country Club. Leymarie took on the interiors as well, which marry French-influenced Art Deco furniture (the Mathieu Matégot chairs are a pleasant surprise) with old radios, hats, bags, mirrors, chandeliers and rugs handpicked from the souks. Intricate decorative detailing and vaulted ceilings add to the drama - as does the rooftop terrace, overlooking the historic Portuguese ramparts and the Atlantic coast.

Tel: 212.661 32 44 75; www.boutiquesouk.com

L'Iglesia Hotel, El Jadida, Morocco

A 16th-century converted church in the Unesco heritage city of El Jadida, this 13-suite jewel is the latest project from French-born Jean Dominique Leymarie, the man behind Marrakech's Beldi Country Club. Leymarie took on the interiors as well, which marry French-influenced Art Deco furniture (the Mathieu Matégot chairs are a pleasant surprise) with old radios, hats, bags, mirrors, chandeliers and rugs handpicked from the souks. Intricate decorative detailing and vaulted ceilings add to the drama - as does the rooftop terrace, overlooking the historic Portuguese ramparts and the Atlantic coast.

Tel: 212.661 32 44 75; www.boutiquesouk.com

L'Iglesia Hotel, El Jadida, Morocco

A 16th-century converted church in the Unesco heritage city of El Jadida, this 13-suite jewel is the latest project from French-born Jean Dominique Leymarie, the man behind Marrakech's Beldi Country Club. Leymarie took on the interiors as well, which marry French-influenced Art Deco furniture (the Mathieu Matégot chairs are a pleasant surprise) with old radios, hats, bags, mirrors, chandeliers and rugs handpicked from the souks. Intricate decorative detailing and vaulted ceilings add to the drama - as does the rooftop terrace, overlooking the historic Portuguese ramparts and the Atlantic coast.

Tel: 212.661 32 44 75; www.boutiquesouk.com

42 Raw, London, UK

Who would have thought the raw-food movement could whet the appetites of meat-and-two-veg Londoners with a menu that eschews anything cooked in more than 42 degrees? The concept simply doesn't sound like fun. But introduce stellar ingredients and a contemporary space at the Royal Academy and suddenly everybody's nibbling. Shipped over from Copenhagen, the 42 Raw concept was developed back in 2009 by Jesper Rydahl, who has crafted a surprisingly exciting lineup here - despite it being 100 percent plant based. Squash lasagne is cooked in tomato sauce with walnuts, parsley pesto, cashews and baby spinach. Breakfast müesli is served with homemade almond milk. It gets better: the dessert cart includes the healthiest of all chocolate cakes, made with cashews, dates and cacao butter.

The Royal Academy, 6 Burlington Gardens, London; www.42raw.co.uk

Writer: Sara Henrichs

Lakshman Sagar Heritage Resort, Rajasthan, India

It originated in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Indian nobility. Now the sprawling 32-acre Lakshman Sagar estate in Pali, near Jodhpur, has had an extensive overhaul. A dozen vibrant cottages were constructed using traditional methods of mud and dry stonewalling. Called 'shikar ghars', the luxury villas showcase bespoke furniture, locally sourced textiles, recycled fixtures and private plunge pools with lake views. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine, made from seasonal organic produce harvested on site, is served in the rice paddies, at campfire or afloat on the lake. The enormous pool is carved into the rock terrain, providing sweeping views of the landscape. Communal living areas are furnished with daybeds and accessorised by shisha pipes. Yoga and meditation classes are held in an open-air 'machan'.

District Pali, Rajasthan, India; tel: 91.22 6150 6363; www.nivalink.com/lakshmansagar

Writer: Jessica Klingelfuss

Lakshman Sagar Heritage Resort, Rajasthan, India

It originated in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Indian nobility. Now the sprawling 32-acre Lakshman Sagar estate in Pali, near Jodhpur, has had an extensive overhaul. A dozen vibrant cottages were constructed using traditional methods of mud and dry stonewalling. Called 'shikar ghars', the luxury villas showcase bespoke furniture, locally sourced textiles, recycled fixtures and private plunge pools with lake views. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine, made from seasonal organic produce harvested on site, is served in the rice paddies, at campfire or afloat on the lake. The enormous pool is carved into the rock terrain, providing sweeping views of the landscape. Communal living areas are furnished with daybeds and accessorised by shisha pipes. Yoga and meditation classes are held in an open-air 'machan'.

District Pali, Rajasthan, India; tel: 91.22 6150 6363; www.nivalink.com/lakshmansagar

Writer: Jessica Klingelfuss

Lakshman Sagar Heritage Resort, Rajasthan, India

It originated in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Indian nobility. Now the sprawling 32-acre Lakshman Sagar estate in Pali, near Jodhpur, has had an extensive overhaul. A dozen vibrant cottages were constructed using traditional methods of mud and dry stonewalling. Called 'shikar ghars', the luxury villas showcase bespoke furniture, locally sourced textiles, recycled fixtures and private plunge pools with lake views. Traditional Rajasthani cuisine, made from seasonal organic produce harvested on site, is served in the rice paddies, at campfire or afloat on the lake. The enormous pool is carved into the rock terrain, providing sweeping views of the landscape. Communal living areas are furnished with daybeds and accessorised by shisha pipes. Yoga and meditation classes are held in an open-air 'machan'.

District Pali, Rajasthan, India; tel: 91.22 6150 6363; www.nivalink.com/lakshmansagar

Writer: Jessica Klingelfuss

LIMA Restaurant, London, UK

Not your run-of-the-mill ceviche joint, LIMA mixes traditional recipes with contemporary tastes as styled by Peruvian chef extraordinaire Virgilio Martinez. Set over two floors, a light-filled formal dining area and a basement bar, the restaurant surrounds a central kitchen and spills outdoors. Refreshingly casual interiors designed by London-based March & White echo the menu, which includes specialities like braised lamb shoulder with coriander and pisco juice, updated with European influences. Handcrafted wooden panelling and reclaimed beech tables accented with cushions fashioned from Peruvian blankets complement the blue-framed concertina doors, etched with an Incan geometric pattern. 'With a project like this, the starting point is always the food,' say designers, Elliot March and James White. 'The personality and interior design of the restaurant grow out of the colours, smells and flavours of the kitchen.'

31 Rathbone Place, London; tel: 44.20 3002 2640; www.limalondon.com

Writer: Lauren Ho

Loveat, Tel Aviv, Israel

A former Jaffa orange hangar in Tel Aviv has a new tenant: the latest outpost from Tel Aviv's organic coffee brand Loveat. Designed by Studio Ronen Levin, the café takes up just a corner of the industrial space, enclosed by three glass façades overlooking the charismatic old port. Building on the shipyard theme is the kitchen, camouflaged behind a wall of crates. Custom furnishings were inspired by warehouse equipment and bar stools are repurposed tractor seats from the 1930s. Loveat is celebrated for its ethical stance, using only organic, fair trade coffee and seasonal ingredients in the fresh sandwiches and salads.

Hangar 1, Jaffa Port, Hanamal street, Jaffa, Tel-Aviv; tel: 972.3 726 6660; www.loveat.co.il

Writer: Lauren Ho

Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark

Winner of 'Restaurant' magazine's best restaurant for three years running, Noma has come out of summer with a new look. While the culinary team held court at a pop-up in Claridge's during London's Olympic Games, Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou of Copenhagen architecture practice Space improved the old warehouse-based HQ's functional and spatial qualities. Space worked closely with Danish flooring company Dinesen, whose HeartOak(r) flooring is a central feature. The new atmosphere is a reflection of the foraged Nordic ingredients Noma is famous for.

Strandgade 93, DK-1401, Copenhagen; tel: 45.3 296 3297; noma.dk

Writer: Alexi Surtees

Silo by Joost, Melbourne, Australia

It's slightly unorthodox to base the virtuosity of a café on the number of rubbish bins out back, but it works in the case of Silo by Joost. A zero-waste café within the Melbourne CBD, Silo has just a single receptacle for its entire 45sq m: a tongue-in-cheek plywood wheelie bin refashioned into a cash register. Every inch of the place, conceived by artist and eco-advocate Joost Bakker, was designed with sustainability in mind. There's ethical, sustainable fare, naturally; fresh produce is delivered in recyclable or reusable crates and all organic waste is filtered through an on-site dehydrator and steriliser. And the design follows suit. The space is entirely kitted out in recycled or recyclable fittings, with stainless-steel benches, plywood shelves and seating in black timber-plastic, aluminium (irrigation pipe) and leather off-cuts. Strawberry crates suspended from the ceiling hold Joost's trademark hanging ferns.

123 Hardware Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia; tel: 61.3 9600 0588; www.byjoost.com/silo

Writer: Elana Castle
Photography: Earl Carter

The South Place Hotel, London, UK

Drawing on those qualities that put London ahead of the game in the global hotel scene, South Place fuses designer dining, art and a great night's sleep. The Conran interior helps the cause here, but it's the extensive collection of commissioned art that pushes it ahead other boutiques in the neighbourhood, pieces by London-based contemporary artists such as John Vincent Aranda and Gavin Mitchell. The first hotel venture from D&D London, the parent group that bought Conran's restaurants, South Place has 80 bedrooms, in-room technology by Bang and Olufsen, three bars and a restaurant (naturally) headed by chef Tony Fleming. Located on the Shoreditch end of the City, it sponsors its own Art Prize, recently won by Israeli RA student Zemer Peled; his sculpture, Nature in a Domestic Space, is showcased in the lobby.

3 South Place, London; tel: 44.20 3503 0000; www.southplacehotel.com

Writer: Alex Tieghi-Walker

Trencherman, Chicago, USA

Culminating its decade-long journey into America's culinary elite, Chicago recently welcomed Trencherman, a restored 1920s Turkish bathhouse in arty Wicker Park. The revamped space takes on a clean, classic feel, well considered in every way by designer and co-owner Kevin Heisner. He restored the original fixtures and industrial elements and introduced rich, warm materials. But there are a few unexpected surprises - like hand-painted floor tiles that would be more at home in a South American cantina than this gentrifying Chicago neighbourhood. Heisner and his brother Matt partnered with brother chefs Mike and Pat Sheerin for the launch (the name refers to a person who enjoys food and eats heartily). Mike Sheerin's cred comes from tutelage under Paul Khan at Blackbird, where he was recognised nationally as chef de cuisine. At Trencherman he's already being celebrated for his creative use of local, Midwestern ingredients and progressive 'new American' menu. Sophisticated but not suffocating.

2039 West North Avenue, Chicago; tel: 773.661 1540, www.trenchermen.com

Writer: Scott Mitchem

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September travel news: editor's picks

Tudor: Style File Atelier

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Technology special