Fashion Trends - Current Fashion Trends

Best Home Away From Home: The Arch London
If you ever want to catch an R29er in action, simply loiter outside this blissful boutique hotel near Marble Arch. The lovely rooms (just look at that floral wallpaper), central-but-not-touristy location, and incredible service simply make it impossible for us to resist. These guys always put the guests first, and it's hard to not feel giddy when you're gushing over the Malin + Goetz bath products and complete library of Oscar-winning films. Plus, the Georgian design gets us every time.

The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7FD, 020 7724 4700, thearchlondon.com

Photo: Courtesy The Arch London

Best Theme: The Ampersand Hotel
This newbie clearly has a lot of love for its South Kensington 'hood. Each of the luxury hotel's 111 rooms and suites have been decorated in honour of the museums for which the area is known, with astronomy-inspired singles and doubles (Science Museum), walls and linens emblazoned with sheet-music prints in the superior doubles (Royal Albert Hall), ornithology-themed deluxe rooms (Natural History Museum), and so on. Naturally, no stay is complete without a visit to said museums — even if, alas, there aren't any Bowie-themed rooms to represent the V&A. Yet.

The Ampersand Hotel, 10 Harrington Road, SW7 3ER, 020 7589 5895, ampersandhotel.com

Photo: Courtesy The Ampersand Hotel

Best London Fashion Week Stay: ME London
During the fall '13 shows, we spent almost as much time here as we did at Somerset House. Located just down The Strand from LFW headquarters, this newbie from the Melia chain hosted everything from the Dominic Jones jewellery presentation to the Woolmark awards show, complete with appearances from the likes of Victoria Beckham and Donatella Versace. Off-season, things are just as stylish, thanks to 16 suites enhanced with neon lighting and other awesome design tricks, mind-blowing panoramic views from the Radio Rooftop Bar, and fine dining courtesy of Cucina Asellina and STK London. Oh, and did we mention it's five-star? If you can't book a room, at least snag a seat at the Marconi Lounge during LFW and prepare for some serious style stalking.

ME Hotel London, 336-337 The Strand, WC2R 1HA, 080 8234 1953, melia.com

Photo: Courtesy ME Hotel London

Best Chain Hotel: Hotel Indigo
We know. Dependability aside, chain hotels just seem to scream "cookie-cutter." That's why we were so pleasantly surprised by the Hotel Indigo, whose locations in Kensington, Tower Hill, and Paddington are actually pretty darn cool. With room rates typically falling under the £200 mark and an affiliation with Holiday Inn that will let Mum and Dad use their trusty Priority Club points, Indigo is at the top of our list when it comes to entertaining the folks. Or even ourselves, considering the so-not-cookie-cutter room decor and amenities like cream tea service via room service and rainfall showers.

Hotel Indigo, 34-44 Barkston Gardens, Kensington, SW5 0EW; 16 London Street, Paddington, W2 1HL; 142 Minories, Tower Hill, EC3N 1LS, 087 1942 9242, ihg.com

Photo: Courtesy Hotel Indigo

Best All-In-One Experience: Bulgari Hotel
Meet your next staycation destination. Between its swanky cocktail lounge, sumptuous Italian-inspired furnishings (yes, it's that Bulgari), cigar shop and lounge, restaurant, private screening room, and a round-the-clock butler service that will whisk DVDs and board games to your room, nobody could blame you for staying inside this Knightsbridge spot all day. And don't get us started on the two-floor spa, which includes a swimming pool, nail salon, vitality pool, fitness centre, and custom face and body treatments. Pure bliss.

Bulgari Hotel, 171 Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW, 020 7151 1010, bulgarihotels.com

Photo: Courtesy Bulgari Hotel

Best Way To Survive An Early Flight: High Road House
Fact: Nobody likes an early morning flight, especially when it means having to drag your bleary-eyed self all the way to Heathrow on little to no sleep. Happily, the 14-room High Road House on Chiswick High Road is guaranteed to get your next holiday off on the right foot thanks to its location just 20 minutes from the airport. Though it's part of the Soho House group, the hotel/club doesn't require guests to be members, so long as you follow house rules (no suits, no photos, no entourage, etc.). The rooms are simply furnished but cosy, and rates are as low as £95 a night. Go ahead, hit that snooze button.

High Road House, 162-170 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PR, 020 8742 1717, house.highroadhouse.co.uk

Photo: Courtesy High Road House

Best Revamp: Café Royal
There's just something about a building steeped in history, and this Regent Street luxury hotel has that in spades. Originally opened in 1865 and host to everyone from Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill to Princess Diana, the space recently reopened with a few modern improvements, including Bang & Olufsen media systems, heated bathroom floors, and, coming soon, a holistic spa. Fancy! Happily, there are plenty of traces of tradition here, thanks to restored Louis XVI furnishings and a sense of grandeur at every turn.

Café Royal, 68 Regent Street,W1B 4DY, 020 7406 3333, hotelcaferoyal.com

Photo: Courtesy Café Royal

Best Place To Take Mr Big: The Wellesley
Cigar terrace complete with bespoke humidor and a roaring fireplace? Check. Live jazz? Check. Plush rooms outfitted with art deco touches? Check. Should you find yourself out on the town with a Mr Big or Frank Sinatra type, you can't do better than this new luxury addition to Knightsbridge. The 36-room spread just oozes old-school glamour, especially if you're lucky enough to score a key to the two-floor Wellesley Penthouse, which has views overlooking Hyde Park. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

The Wellesley, 11 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY, 020 7235 3535, thewellesley.co.uk

Photo: Courtesy The Wellesley

Best Pub Hotel: The Fox & Anchor
Normally, we'd never recommend falling asleep in a pub (the Tube, maybe, but not a pub). Then again, not every pub is the Fox & Anchor, which goes back to the traditional public house roots by serving as a boarding house complete with six comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms. It's hard to resist a place that proudly advertises "hops & chops, cuvees & duvets," especially when rates start at just £95 plus VAT. And who needs room service when pints and pork pies are just steps away?

The Fox & Anchor, 115 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6AA, 020 7250 1300, foxandanchor.com

Photo: Courtesy The Fox & Anchor

Best Hot Budget Spot: The Hoxton Hotel
The street art just opposite proclaims "Lizzie Says Relax," and you — and your accountant — can do just that at this Shoreditch stronghold. Boasting a cool, rock 'n' roll design (love the London-centric pillows and wall art) for those on a busker budget, The Hoxton is ideal for those who want to stay close to the bustling East London action. The service is streamlined and no-nonsense, and the prices? We've seen rooms for as little as £49, and the occasional £1 sale is arguably the best idea ever conceived. Sweet dreams.

The Hoxton Hotel, 81 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU, 020 7550 1000, hoxtonhotels.com

Photo: Courtesy The Hoxton Hotel

Whitstable
Trains from London Victoria take 1 hour and 29 minutes.

This seaside town in Kent is famed for fresh oysters, tranquil beaches, its own castle, and charming shops and cafes. Bonus: Canterbury is just a few kilometres away, allowing you to squeeze in some extra sightseeing.

Our Picks: Let the briney delights blow your mind at the annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, running from 27 July to 2 August. Once you've tired of shucking and slurping, switch it up with some Mediterranean-influenced fare at JoJo's Meze, Meat & Fish (pictured), or indulge in locally sourced seafood from the Michelin-starred The Sportsman. Frank is a must for one-of-a-kind gifts from British designers and craftspeople. Finally, for a true taste of maritime living, book a cosy fisherman hut through the Hotel Continental, where you'll enjoy a lovely slumber just steps away from the sea.

Photo: Courtesy of JoJo's

Windsor
Trains from London Paddington and Waterloo take between 40 and 55 minutes.

It's got a castle, proximity to Eton and Ascot, and, yes, even Legoland. Throw in fine-dining options and the ease of travelling in from London, and Windsor is the ultimate quick getaway. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's surely good enough for you.

Our Picks: Speaking of ol' Liz, her weekend home of Windsor Castle really is a must-see, with Queen Mary's life-size doll house and the final resting places of royals like Henry VIII among its highlights; Queen Victoria's mausoleum is located in the cemetery at nearby Frogmore House. Of course, you might be forgiven for eschewing the sightseeing altogether if you're a guest of Pennyhill Park (pictured), the 123-acre luxury hotel located in nearby Bagshot. Between its immaculate rooms (a pillow menu!), eight indoor and outdoor pools, beyond-luxe spa treatments, golf course, and Michelin-starred Latymer restaurant, this five-star spread raises the bar in relaxation.

Photo: Courtesy of Pennyhill Park

Stratford-upon-Avon
Direct trains from London Marylebone take just under 2 hours.

All's well that ends well over here in Shakespeare country. The Bard's birthplace, not surprisingly, has plenty for lit lovers to sink their teeth into, but there's more to this Warwickshire town than just sonnets.

Our Picks: Okay, so a production at the Royal Shakespeare Company is definitely worth your while, and Shakespeare's birthday celebrations on the 20th of April provide a good excuse to visit. But don't overlook a visit to the magical Butterfly Farm, where colourful winged creatures run amok in an exotic rainforest environment. A stroll along the river Avon isn't complete without throwing back a pint at the Dirty Duck Pub, a favourite with local actors. Finally, rest your head, grab a bite, and listen to live piano music at centrally located Church Street Townhouse (pictured), where 12 smart en suite rooms are available.

Photo: Courtesy of Church Street Townhouse

The-Lodge-Writing-Shed-in-the-garden-at-Monk's-House,-East-Sussex

Lewes
Trains from London Victoria take just over 1 hour.

Here's one for the history buffs. This charming East Sussex town happens to count Virginia Woolf, Thomas Paine, and, er, Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones as former residents, while the so-called Anne of Cleves House was part of the divorce settlement for a certain unlucky wife of Henry VIII. These days, you'll fall head over heels for the simple pleasures of country life as you knock about Lewes Castle, stroll through scenic gardens, and take in the abundance of public art on display.

Our Picks: Woolf hounds can pay tribute to the author with a stop at the Round House in Pipe Passage. Woolf owned the house but never actually moved in, though she and husband Leonard did use the Monk's House, located in nearby Rodmell, as a country retreat. Visitors can tour the 17th-century cottage and its gorgeous grounds, see where Woolf created some of her best-known works (pictured), and even stay the night. Back in town, a tour of Harveys Brewery, the oldest independent brewery in Sussex, is notoriously hard to book, but you can give it a go or simply make do with a trip to the shop on Cliffe High Street and a pint at the John Harvey Tavern. Locals also lavish praise on Limetree Kitchen for Sunday roasts and inventive, locally sourced dishes.

Photo: The Lodge Writing Shed at Monk's House, Courtesy of National Trust Images

The Cotswolds
Trains from London Paddington to Kemble take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Sometimes you've just got to get out of London, swapping pavements for country lanes and skyscrapers for, you know, actual sky. And, while you can't really go wrong with any part of the gorgeous Cotswolds, we're particularly partial to the lush landscapes around Cirencester and Malmesbury. It's all about the fresh air and invigorating afternoon walks.

Our Picks: Hop off the train at Kemble and direct your cab straight to The Rectory (pictured) in the village of Crudwell. Here you'll find dreamy walled gardens, a heated outdoor swimming pool, lovely decorating touches, and games of croquet on the lawn. Seriously. The hotel is partnered up with the award-winning Potting Shed Pub across the road (sample dishes: spiced pigeon, deer burgers), which has two acres of gardens and apple trees. Malmesbury's Whatley Manor has its own temptations, with a spa, 12-acre garden, activities like clay pigeon shooting, and dining from Michelin two-starred chef Martin Burge. Talk about being spoiled for choice.

Photo: Courtesy of The Rectory

Hastings
Trains from London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, St Pancras, and Victoria take 1 hour and 45 minutes, on average.

You know the battle, now enjoy the beach. Whether your idea of a dream vacay is touring Hastings Castle, snoozing on a sun lounger on a pebble beach, or eating your weight in fried fish, this seaside spot makes for an idyllic escape from London. Festivals and events abound during the May bank holiday, so start planning now to squeeze in a last-minute trip.

Our Picks: Soak up seaside views, homemade pastries, and a glorious night's sleep at Black Rock House (pictured), a B&B with rave reviews. These picturesque rooms are too nice to foul up, so best save a trip to Rock-A-Nore Fisheries, where you can pick up straight-from-the-sea scallops, salmon, and bass to cook at home, until the final moments of your trip (and pray for a forgiving seatmate on the train!). Until then, you can seek sustenance in the post-beach menu at Pomegranate, or dig into a hearty plate of fish 'n' chips at the locally revered Maggie's at 4 Trinity Street.

Photo: Courtesy of Black Rock House

Carlos Miele strikes a pose!

Photo: Courtesy of Carlos Miele

Nobu
"Nobu is always a great choice for Japanese in any city."
1901 Collins Avenue; 305-695-3232

Photo: Courtesy of Nobu

Miami Art Museum
"The space is designed by the architects Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Christine Binswanger and is one of my favorites to visit."
101 West Flagler Street; 305-375-3000

Photo: Courtesy of Miami Art Museum

Cipriani Downtown
"I am excited about the opening of Cipriani Downtown Miami in April and look forward to visiting on my next trip!"
465 Brickell Avenue; 786-329-4090; Opening spring 2013

Photo: Courtesy of Cipriani

Design District
"I love looking for new art and furniture in the Design District."

Photo: Courtesy of Miami Design District

Soho Beach House
"My favorite hotel in Miami!"
4385 Collins Avenue; 786-507-7900.

Photo: Courtesy of Soho Beach House

Wynwood Galleries
"I love to visit all the galleries in the neighborhood for the graphic art."

Photo: Courtesy of Wynwood Art Walk

Miami Beach Cinematheque
"Avant-garde, offbeat, and art housestyle films, all in a beautiful, restored historic building."
1130 Washington Avenue; 305-673-4567

Photo: Courtesy of Miami Beach Cinematheque

Casa Tua
"With excellent food and a beautiful garden, this unique spot is a must!"
1700 James Avenue; 305-673-1010

Photo: Courtesy of Casa Tua

Bal Harbour Shops
"Seriously the best designer shopping."
9700 Collins Avenue; Bal Harbour; 305-866-0311

Photo: Courtesy Bal Harbour Shops

The W South Beach's Pool
"I love it for the music and fun atmosphere."
2201 Collins Avenue; 305-938-3000

Photo: Courtesy of W Hotels.

SLS South Beach

Every few years, a new hotel rules the scene on South Beach, and right now the place to stay is the SLS. The buzzy vibe starts the moment you head up the red carpet and step inside — not to a typical lobby but into the restaurant-of-the-moment, Bazaar, by James Beard award-winning chef José Andrés. With a bustling open kitchen in the center of the room flanked by a dramatic cocktail and tapas lounge on one side, and a glam-yet-whimsical dining room on the other, the entrance makes quite a statement.

Head outside and you’ll find Bazaar’s outdoor bar, two pools with a giant rubber duck in between, cool cabanas, and the beach beyond. Just off of the pool is its club/bar Hyde Park, which channels a kitschy '70s Florida surf shack. Right above is the super-cool Lenny Kravitz-designed penthouse. If you want the full hot spot Miami experience, you don’t even have to step outside of the hotel.

Philippe Starck, who arguably started the Miami hip-hotel trend with the Delano right next door, has topped himself here. The spaces are inspired by his dreams and all are totally distinct...but somehow it works. We love the Madame de Pompadour-inspired guest rooms, featuring mirrors on the ceilings and black-and-white painted tapestries that evoke 18th-Century design.

SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue (between 17th and 18th streets); 305-674-1701.

Photo: Courtesy of SLS South Beach

Photo: Courtesy of SLS South Beach

Photo: Courtesy of SLS South Beach

Gale South Beach

In South Beach, sometimes it feels like you only have a choice between one of the sceney beach hotels or smaller boutique properties that often don’t have the amenities of their bigger, badder competition. The 88-room Gale, however, has absolutely everything you would want, with a much more intimate feel. The '40s hotel has been beautifully revived by Add Inc. inspired by the sophisticated design of that era. Vintage black-and-white photos of Miami line the walls everywhere you go from Italian restaurant Dolce to the chic guest rooms. Its Regent Cocktail Club serves up classic cocktails, while downstairs, DJs spin in the groovy '70s basement-inspired club Rec Room. If you want to dance, it’s a more intimate alternative to the city’s mega clubs. During the day, there is a rooftop pool with ocean views and an upstairs café/bar so you don’t have to leave for lunch. If you’re up for beach time, you can score lounge chairs at its sister ocean-front property, The Shelbourne.

Gale South Beach, 1690 Collins Avenue (between 17th Street and Lincoln Road); 305-673-0199.

Photo: Via Gale South Beach

Photo: Via Gale South Beach

Photo: Via Gale South Beach

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

The scene at the St. Regis is decidedly more grown-up and glamorous than most hotels in Miami. You won’t find packs of singles or roving bachelorette parties here. You will get the best of both worlds, however. You can South Beach — which is only 15 minutes away — when you want a more happening vibe. When you’re ready to retreat, you can enjoy the crowd-free, gorgeous beach, mellow out at the Remède spa, or spend the day sipping mojitos in your cabana by one of the two amazing pools.The ocean-view rooms continue the mix of glamour and zen, with a serene chic design by Yabu Pushelberg. We loved the sparkling mirror mosaic headboards and the spa-like bathrooms. Book a suite and you’ll be even more relaxed with 24-hour butler service to handle everything from packing up to stocking your fridge.

While the Bal Harbour mall is right across the street, you can skip the shopping and have the clothes come to you. Fill out a form before arrival, and Neiman Marcus personal shoppers will stock your closet with options you can simply charge to your room.

St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, 9703 Collins Avenue (at 96th Street); 305-993-3300.

Photo: Via St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Photo: Via St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Photo: Via St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

The Marlin Hotel

While many head to South Beach to party like rock stars, this is the hotel to book if you actually are one. With South Beach Recording Studios based at the hotel, you have access to a recording studio with full post-production capability in your room. Plus, unlike most hotels that have a lame iPod docking station with awful sound quality, each of the 15 rooms has surround-sound audio with speakers in the bedroom and bathroom. You can even sync your speakers to hear the music that’s playing at the bar downstairs.

The L. Murray Dixon-designed hotel has been beautifully restored, keeping the spirit of the Art Deco gem while updating the space with contemporary art, crisp, white bedrooms, and high-tech capabilities — you can control everything from lighting to room temp through an iPad.

The Marlin Hotel, 1200 Collins Avenue (between 12th and 13th streets); 305-695-3000.

Photo: Via The Marlin Hotel

Photo: Via The Marlin Hotel

Photo: Via The Marlin Hotel

Freehand

Dying to go to Miami but short on cash? Check out Freehand, a boutique hostel that starts at $35 a night. Aiming to be the “first upscale hostel in the U.S.,” the Sydell Group teamed up with Roman and Williams, the design team behind the funky Ace Hotel in New York, to create a cool, perpetual summer vibe. Bright yellow and navy bunk rooms sleep four or eight. You can also opt for private digs, too. With a palm-tree filled pool courtyard a block from the beach, free breakfast, and a mixology bar, you may wonder why you would even want to cough up the cash for a standard hotel.

Freehand, 2727 Indian Creek Drive (between 27th and 28th streets); 305-531-2727.

Photo: Via Freehand

Photo: Via Freehand

"I’m off for a weekend with my best girlfriends at a beautiful lakeside cabin. We love to get out of the city with a car full of s'mores ingredients and comfy clothes. Check out how I geared up for the occasion."

Clarks Rosa Central Heels, $119.99, available at Clarks;10 Crosby Derek Lam Sweater, $238, available at Shopbop.

"I adore these loafers. They’re the perfect preppy contrast to my favorite jean cut-offs and vintage T-shirts. It’s also essential to have slip-on shoes for lazy weekends like this one."

Clarks Dunbar Racer, $79.99, available at Clarks.

"My style is defined by the name of my blog, Downtown Romantic. I love to pair super-feminine pieces with equally edgy pieces. When heading upstate, though, I leave my motorcycle jackets at home and pack all my pretty dresses instead."

Madewell Shirt; Topshop Lace Panel Dip Hem Dress, $98, available at Topshop; Want Les Essentiels De La Vie O'Hare Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag, $325, available at Mr. Porter; Scarf, Crowell's own

"These heels are fantastic because they look great with both dresses and jeans. I like that they don’t perfectly match the clothes I’m bringing, keeping my look interesting and not too matchy-matchy."

Clarks Rosa Central Heels, $119.99, available at Clarks

"Being from Northern California, I feel pretty strongly that stilettos do not belong on lakeside retreats. These babies get me out of the city still looking chic, though, which is pretty important."

Clarks Rosa Central Heels, $119.99, available at Clarks

"Just texting details with the crew. We've decided — this weekend is about delicious food, hours of talking on a big couch, and walks around the lake, and nothing else. Sounds perfect!"

"I don’t think a whole lot about what pieces go with each other when I’m packing. Instead I focus on bringing things I love, like my favorite scarf, and floral skirt."

Want Les Essentiels De La Vie O'Hare Leather-Trimmed Cotton-Canvas Tote Bag, $325, available at Mr. Porter.;Clarks Caslynn Paula Wedges, $109.99, available at Clarks.

"I wear the same pieces of jewelry every day: My long-charm necklace and tons of delicate rings. One time I forgot to bring my jewelry and I felt, you know, off the whole time. Not going to make that mistake again."

"While there's no place more exciting than New York City, there’s also nothing better than leaving it. It’s been a long winter and I can’t wait to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple days. Sometimes you just need a breath of fresh air."

Madewell Jean Vest, $88, available at Madewell; Clarks Caslynn Cheryl Wedges, $109.99, available at Clarks.

"Ciao, bellas! Hope you all have a great weekend, too!"

Clarks Caslynn Cheryl Wedges, $109.99, available at Clarks.

Whether you're fueling up for the day or satiating a late-night craving, head on over to Open City, one of the sister restaurants to Tryst and The Coupe. The perfect spot for hangover grub (i.e., breakfast all day), it's best for leisurely meals spent with friends on the outdoor patio —especially on days when you have nowhere to be for a while. It's also our duty to note that the wickedly delicious homemade pastries are baked on location daily.

Open City, 2331 Calvert St NW; 202-332-2331.

To check off the cultural element of a trip to Woodley Park, check out the Stanford in Washington Art Gallery. The lovely two-level space offers unique rotating shows and free admission, to boot. Currently (and only for a few more weeks — so book it!), you can view stunning bronze works by world-renowned sculptor Bart Walter in the gallery's Out of Africa exhibit.

Stanford in Washington Art Gallery, 2655 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-332-6235.

Trust us on this: After one visit to Tangerine, it'll become part of your weekly shopping repertoire. Why? With a price point this attainable, you can leave with a new brunch or going-out ensemble for less than the cost of your last bar tab. We're talking bold and trendy separates (think pastel floral denim, chunky geometric jewelry, neon cut-out blouses) that'll add pizzaz to your spring wardrobe without major financial damage.

Tangerine, 2643 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-652-1461.

A necessary stop on any visit to Woodley Park is the Smithsonian National Zoo. Surrounded by the dozens of businesses and residences that line Connecticut Avenue, it's one of only four zoos in the country that can lay claim to giant pandas — and these are two very famous, adorable giant pandas at that. Need we say more?

National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-633-4462.

Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian National Zoological Park

We first discovered Via Gypset back in August, and the vintage boutique continues to amaze. From the inspiring window installations to the abundance of one-of-a-kind garments, this is some of the best vintage shopping in the District.

Via Gypset, 2311 Calvert Street NW; 202-803-2874.

Downstairs from Via Gypset, you'll find a cafe that might be even cuter than the baby elephants at the zoo. Bright yellow chairs? Check. Retro candy-colored espresso makers as decor? Check. Exposed brick painted in watercolor hues? Got that, too. The gelateria and coffee shop feels like an artist's studio, but with an endless supply of pick-me-ups and window seats perfect for people-watching.

Cafe Sorriso, 2311 Calvert Street NW; 202-803-2872.

If a resto has great food, we're pretty much sold, regardless of the ambiance or bar situation. But when the spot in question has to-die-for dishes, a cozy neighborhood vibe, and top-notch mixologists who can whip up a mean craft cocktail? Consider it our go-to. Such is the case with District Kitchen, an outpost with a chill-but-charming feel that specializes in small plates, seasonal and local fare, and, um, really good drinks. Take advantage of the 5-7 p.m. happy hour on Sunday through Thursday and get to know the savvy bartenders.

District Kitchen, 2606 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-238-9408.

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Woodley Park 101: Where To Eat, Shop & Explore In This So-Pretty 'Hood

Use This Amazing New Travel Site To Find The Coolest Hotels In The World

Hotel Jerome (Aspen)

Slope lovers and non-ski bunnies alike will love the newly renovated Hotel Jerome. Many of the original mountain-chic touches, like the Indian rug-patterned tiled floors and the Chippendale chinoiserie bar in the iconic J-Bar are still present, but there are a few notable updates. On the culinary front, there’s the new Living Room, a relaxed après-ski spot for snacks like truffled gravy fries, and Prospect, the American bistro from chef Rob Zack, who serves hearty dishes like his Italian grandfather’s meatballs. Upstairs, the 93 rooms have been revamped with burnished-leather bedframes and writing tables, cashmere curtains, and rustic wall coverings. For a total splurge, try one of the three mountain-inspired spa treatments at the brand-new Auberge Spa.

Hotel Jerome, 330 East Main Street, Aspen.

Photos: Courtesy of Hotel Jerome

Uma by COMO Punakha (Bhutan)

For a long haul, all-out zen getaway, try the new Uma by COMO in Punakha, Bhutan, an 11-room sanctuary tucked between rice terraces and orchards in a lush valley along the Mo Chu River. The minimalist rooms have valley or pine forest views, but you’ll likely be outside on a photography excursion or trekking the hillsides if you’re not taking a hot stone bath in the Shambhala Retreat spa or partaking in the complimentary daily yoga class. The hotel works with its sister property in Paro (about a five-hour drive away) to book cultural day trips to places like the gravity-defying Tiger’s Nest monastery, the temple of the Divine Madman, and (in late February) the Punakha Dromche and Tshechu, two celebratory festivals packed with color, drums, dance, costumes, horns, masks, and a re-enactment of Bhutan’s 17th-century war with Tibet.

Uma by COMO, Serigang Kabesa Punakha, Kingdom of Bhutan.

Photo: Courtesy of Como Hotels

Gardenias Inn (Tulum)

If you need to get completely off the grid for a few days, try Gardenias Inn, a tiny, three-room bed-and-breakfast oasis with no sign, just one block off the main drag in Tulum, Mexico. The rooms are affordable (from $99!) and comfy with Egyptian cotton towels, Turkish bathrobes, 500-thread count sheets, and waterfall showers, but you’ll probably spend your time exploring local Mayan ruins or on the white-sand beaches (the owners lend bikes to get there, snorkel gear, boogie boards, and beach toys for the little ones). For $120 per person extra, guests can also opt for a custom-made dinner, with local lobster, fresh-caught conch, and herbs from the owners’ organic garden potentially on the menu. Socially conscious guests can get discounts for every five hours of local volunteer work they do or by donating laptops, books, or baby clothes to the nearby elementary school.

Gardenias Inn, 71 Calle Sol Oriente, Tulum.

Photo: Courtesy of Romain Blanquart/Gardenias Inn

Ekorian's Mugie Camp (Nanyuki, Kenya)

Ekorian’s Mugie Camp, which just opened in North Kenya in late December, is a wildlife adventure in the 46,000-acre Mugie Sanctuary near Mount Kenya without having to necessarily rough it. The property offers six guest tents (each with thatched roofs and wooden deck) and central dining tent, but the real fun happens during the day and night game drives, on which you might see any of 70 species of mammals, including lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, elephant, eland, or hyena. For those who prefer domestic animals to wild beasts, you can walk with the trained bloodhounds as they get their daily exercise or take a scholarly approach by learning more about the camp’s participation in the Predator Project, which studies predatory animals like lions to determine how those animals can coexist with both human and livestock neighbors. Also, if you get a chance, ask one of the owners, Josh Perrett, about his being on only the second expedition to successfully circumnavigate Lake Turkana.

Ekorian’s Mugie Camp.

Photo: Courtesy of Ekorian

It’s a recent addition to our travel itineraries, but a good one. Old, new, and (perhaps most importantly) south of the equator, Cartagena, Colombia has all the cobblestone streets, ancient plazas, and exotic local eateries we want with the warm, sunny beaches we absolutely need this time of year. Extra bonuses — the vibrant dance scene, the many, many historic sites, and the fact that JetBlue flies there direct from New York. It’s a hot ticket, indeed.