Dream Destination Bucket List
With the summer heat creeping in and awakening our inner travel bug, we wanted to share our ultimate travel bucket list. Favoring picturesque blends of architecture and nature suitable for both unplugging or capturing the ultimate insta-snap, our seven must visit spots are major vacation-porn. No need to focus on one specific country, city, or space when daydreaming about grandiose adventures in foreign lands. We picked the best destinations to stay, play, and recharge. Whoever thought up the wise old adage“It’s the destination, it’s the journey,” clearly never saw these dream locales! (Sorry Ralph Waldo Emerson!) Get ready to pin your pants off!
The Parker | Palm Springs
For a color packed luxe desert retreat, check in to the Parker—a Palm Springs institution. In 1959, the 13 acre lot opened as the California's first Holiday Inn, and developed a rep as the go to LA escape. Jonathan Adler recently revamped his original 2004 designs in the hotel with carpet from The Shining and, whitewashed walls, whimsical rainbow hued decor, and even a Giant Golden Banana statue. Kick back in Adler’s maximalist modern interiors and lush gardens for a stately summer escape in the desert heat.
Chateau Marmont | Los Angeles
A beacon of Hollywood lore, Chateau Marmont is an oasis in a concrete city—tucked into a lush foliage fringed Hollywood hillside. Just 2 blocks from the Grauman's historic Chinese Theatre—it's easy to forget you’re smack dab in the center of tinsel town. If you ever wanted the chance to rub elbows with celebrity— this is the place to stay! Live like the stars in a private bungalow or apartment suite complete with sunset strip views from Euro-esque balconies. Lounge by the pool with a cocktail and you’re sure to spot at least one famous face. Or get jazzed up for a cocktail at Bar Marmont and swing to some jazz while you people watch in luxury. This castle on a hill is a silver screen siren in her own right—providing ambiance to films such as Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere. Walk where starlets old and new stepped and slept in this charming city escape.
Jardin Majorelle | Marrakech
Morrocco, Morrocco, Morrocco! While we could include the country as a whole on our bucket list, what with its textile covered souks and ornate tiled interiors, our ultimate Moroccan hot spot is YSL’s Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh. Originally home to artist Jacques Majorelle— the abode and lavish gardens cultivator and curator—the estate was abandoned and fell into disrepair at the end of his life. But thanks to Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge-- it was saved from becoming a hotel complex and lovingly restored the garden and estate while respecting the vision of the original owner. Today, the estate is a botanical garden and museum of Berber art and culture with 2.5 acres of cacti, exotic plants, and trees landscaped like a living painting to emphasize each plant's unique beauty. The greens and tan tones of foliage are framed and offset by the infamous "Majorelle Blue" estate. If you ever needed landscape design inspo, this is the spot for you!
Palais Bulles (Bubble Palace) | Cannes
While visiting this dream bubble abode (ie. The Bubble Palace) may be damn near impossible, we still had to include it on our list. The private estate in Cannes, France was built by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag between 1975 and 1989 for a French industrialist Pierre Bernard and was later bought by fashion designer Pierre Cardin as a holiday home. You too can own the 1200 square meter house complete with reception hall, panoramic lounge, 500-seat open-air amphitheater, 10 bedrooms, and a plethora of swimming pools and waterfalls for a cool 350 million Euros. Or you can hop for the next invite to an event held in house like Dior’s cruise runway show. A girl can dream right?!
Keemala Bird's Nest Pool Villas | Phuket, Thailand
The name speaks for itself— live your avian dreams in the trees and explore the tropical forests of Phuket with your own private bird nest abode and water bath (ie. pool). The Keemala resort is nestled away in a lush wooded hillside overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. This is the place to become one with nature and recharge your mind, body, and soul. With a diverse spread of holistic wellness retreats specialized for your needs and desires (including spa therapies, health conscious meals, and meditation practice), Keemala’s Bird Nest Pool’s aren’t the only treat in this Thai escape.
On The Water Villas | Maldives
These overwater villas are a honeymoon hot spot for good reason— check out that crystal clear water! If you ever want an escape from reality into a fantasy world of water and sun and sand, the islands of the Maldives is the place for you. The Maldives are home to the OG water bungalow resorts and even the least expensive villas will usually have a daydream worthy glass-floor section and private jacuzzi. And if you've ever wanted to learn to scuba dive, this is the place to do it! With transparent waters, white sand beaches, and intricate underwater scenery via coral reefs— diving school is at the top of our to do list!
Blue Lagoon | Iceland
Now this one, you’ve probably heard of, or at the very least grammed snapped across your Facebook or Insta feed. The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, and for good reason! It’s located in a lava field and only an hour drive from the capital city of Reykjavík. The warm mineral rich water is known for its healing properties—especially for skin issues like psoriasis— and features Silica, Algae, and Minerals. The geothermal pools formed from waste water of the near by geothermal plant in 1976 and soon become popularized healing bathing bathing soon after. In 1992, the Blue Lagoon was established and open to the public. Locals say the evenings on weeknights is the best time to avoid crowds. And fun fact! The blueish hue water is actually white. Pour it in a cup to check out its milky coloring. The silica in the water + the sun make it reflect and appear blue. Drop that knowledge when you bathe in this healing water wonder! Oh and mostly importantly: stay hydrated, use conditioner before and after you bathe, remove your jewels, skip the goggles, and bring your sunnies.
Images via Vogue Living . Vogue. Glamour Paris. The Guardian. Apartment Therapy. Rue Mag. JaimeeRose. Palm Springs Style. Tory Burch. In/Out. Architectural Design. Honestly WTF.
