Inspired By Earth Day: Retreats for a Modern Thoreau

I first learned of Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond as a freshman in high school. I was a self-proclaimed tree-hugger back then, so his thoughts on man and the environment simply fueled my passion to save the planet. As an adult, I can more fully understand the philosophy behind his Walden stay - to simply observe nature and reflect. In honor of Earth Day, here are two locales perfectly suited for a modern-day, Thoreau-like sabbatical. And, of course, both are ecofriendly.

Fogo Island Studios, Newfoundland, Canada

"I love Nature partly because she is not man, but a retreat from him. "

Located along the north Atlantic, Fogo Island offers four artist studios as part of a program to promote habitat preservation and sustainability. Each structure is completely off-the-grid and perched along the island’s rocky coastline. Imagine what these views could inspire!

The Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

"I have a room all to myself; it is nature."

The Treehotel in Sweden would definitely make my bucket list if I ever decided to create one. Each of its treehouse-like cabins is suspended 13 to 20 feet above the ground, offering fantastic views and sparse interiors (Thoreau would be proud!). My favorite room is the Mirrorcube. Its facade perfectly blends into the surrounding forest.

Of course, we can't all scurry off to Canada and Sweden to be at one with nature, so, look for the everyday opportunities. From community parks to your own backyard, embrace and enjoy!

Images: (1-4) Bent René Synnevåg, (5-8) Peter Lundstrom, WDO | Treehotel
Quotes: Henry David Thoreau

Est Magazine: The Grand Tour Issue

Speaking of getaways,... I spent Sunday morning perusing Est Magazine's latest issue, which celebrates the notion of the Grand Tour. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks this time of year is the perfect cause to escape from it all. And for those who are temporarily tethered to home, Est has compiled a few romantic destinations to fuel our daydreams, "Given many of us cannot afford the time out of our hectic and somewhat discombobulated lives we look to visualization and inspiration to lead our minds on a 'mini vacation' of sorts." (A common practice here on Sukio!)

"In years gone by a Grand Tour would last anywhere from several months to several years, taking the young to far flung places to unwind, reconnect, and explore the finer things in life. It's a custom we would like to see reinstalled as a rite of passage for anyone feeling a little disconnected with their life... or in search of life with more meaning." - Est Magazine

As always, Est’s November issue also includes home tours, trend reports, and more. View it on their newly redesigned website!

Images: Est Magazine

Friday Fashion: A Black (and White) Friday Getaway

With the cold weather and holiday bustle setting in, I’m taking another virtual vacation – this time via Vogue’s December editorial featuring Carolyn Murphy. Lensed by Mario Testino, Carolyn sports sleek black and white fashions on the sunny Tuscan coast. Every season, holiday or other, is the perfect time to get away!

The editorial is set at the famed Il Pelicano Hotel - picture-perfect and wonderfully glamorous:

"Set on Italy’s lush, unspoiled Monte Argentario peninsula, Il Pellicano is the embodiment of la dolce vita, as much a way of life as it is a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel... Founded in 1965 by American socialites Patricia and Michael Graham, the 18-room property and its nine adjacent cottages were purchased in 1979 by one-time guest Roberto Sció, who guided the expansion of the Tuscan farmhouse–styled retreat. Over the years the cream of the European jetset has passed through its doors, including the Pucci, Missoni, Fendi, Niarcho and Casiraghi families." - Nowness

Images: Mario Testino

Happy Labor Day!

On Saturday, my mother insisted that I take a trip to the shore in celebration of Labor Day. “You need to get some ocean air!” It’s probably true. The beach does wonders for my health in the most literal of ways (e.g., swimming in salty water remedies the allergies like no other). Unfortunately, a decision on Saturday gave me very little time to plan. So, today, I’m taking a virtual trip to the shores of Sicily with photography by Massimo Vitali.

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I took a trip on Labor Day. Early September is usually a super busy time of year. My consulting work picks up ahead of the new fiscal year (Oct. 1) and the social circuit in DC resumes after an August hiatus. I’d love to get away but for now, Sicily will do!

Did you get away this weekend?

Images: Massimo Vitali

Mykonos, Greece: Shop + Stay

Greece: it’s not only the birthplace of the Olympics (which I’ve watched religiously since the opening ceremony), but it also offers some pretty impressive studies in design. In fact, I recently discovered two commercial projects on the idyllic isle of Mykonos, each with different approaches of marrying luxury, simplicity, and the island’s iconic, whitewashed architecture.

As a popular tourist destination, Mykonos offers the best in luxury shopping. Amid its labyrinth of tiny streets and walkways, you’ll find Athens-based retailer Linea Piu. Designed by Kois Associated Architects, this location opened in early 2012 and perfectly balances the brand’s modern aesthetic with the island’s old-world charm. The white of the façade continues throughout the interior, across stone walls and archways, providing a bright backdrop for contemporary fixtures.

Also opening this year, the San Giorgio Hotel is the epitome of relaxed luxury, mixing classic white walls with natural textures and finishes. It’s not my usual modern glam fare, but oh my! How pretty! From its gauzy canopies to rustic wood furniture, the San Giorgio feels more like a vacation home than a hotel.

"Melding the carefree finesse of the ’60s bohemian life with a down- to-earth 'gypset' approach, at San Giorgio Mykonos, everything is about ease and enjoyment." - SanGiorgio-Mykonos.com

Images: (1) Clarence Chiang, (2-7) Vangelis Paterakis, (8-14) Design Hotels