TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: WHERE TO STAY & EAT IN BIG SUR

Starting in San Francisco and working your way down the jaw-dropping Pacific Coast Highway, over the iconic Bixby Bridge, ( cue the soundtrack from Big Little Lies please )  one will find themselves speechless as they descend upon Big Sur and Carmel Valley, the crown jewels of Northern California. The destination has long been a glorious weekend escape for the discerning traveler, who has been drawn time and time again to the dramatic landscape, the unique lodge offerings and the charming town lined with farm to table restaurants, local art galleries, wine tasting rooms and boutique shops. Be prepared to see mother nature show off her wild side on the spectacular rugged beaches and the endless hiking trails, lined with magnificent redwoods encompassed by that famous morning glory fog. The romance game is other level here, perfect for a proposal, anniversary celebration or just because. Our take on Big Sur below—

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STAY

Post Ranch Inn https://www.postranchinn.com/

MAPPS X Post Ranch Inn: Special nightly rates, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits.

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EAT

Big Sur Bakery: https://www.bigsurbakery.com/

Nepenthe: https://www.nepenthe.com/

Sierra Mar: https://www.postranchinn.com/dining/

Big Sur Roadhouse: https://glenoaksbigsur.com/big-sur-roadhouse/

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THE INSIDER: J.K. PARIS

J.K. Hotels are famous for their chic modern decor and high-touch personalized guest service. With outposts in Rome, Florence and Capri, we were chomping at the bit to see their most recent unveiling, this time in Paris. We asked General Manager and friend of Mapps, Riccardo Ortogni to take us inside.

ACCOMODATIONS

ROOMS: 29 including suites, all individually styled with Italian furnishings and Parisian accents.

RICCARDO’S FAVORITE: “The J.K. Signature Suite, my favourite Suite in Paris, we have only one and it is nearly 90sqm. It was designed personally by Michele Bonan with pieces of furniture from the Flea Market in Paris. The room features a stunning bathroom with a huge and sexy shower and a fireplace (not usable). Furthermore the living room and the bedroom are separated by a unique cube of bronze made by an artisan in Tuscany, that is a walk-in cabinet. I love this beautiful "apartment" for a long stay, fantastic for a couple but suitable also for families with 1 or 2 small kids as the sofa turns into a comfortable bed.”

DINING

With successful stints in both Miami and Aspen, it was time to go global. Casa Tua ( a MAPPS fav ) opened its first international location at J.K. Place Paris. Nestled on the ground floor of the hotel, the restaurant features it's signature open-air kitchen and serve delicious Italian cuisine and fine wine.

THE LOUNGE BAR

The perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee while reading Le Monde or for pre-post dinner cocktails where guests choose between sparkling French Champagnes and the finest Italian Negronis served in Paris.

J.K. WELLNESS

The Sisley Spa offers signature treatments and features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a fully-equipped gym.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

MAPPS X J.K PLACE AMENITIES: Special nightly rates, a complimentary upgrade subject to availability, daily breakfast at Casa Tua and a spa credit.

GETTING HERE: The hotel is 35 minutes from Charles De Gaulle Airport by car, on the Left Bank of The Seine River. The hotel is a stone’s throw away from Musee D’Orsay.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: March - May, September-December.

IDEAL GUEST: J.K. junkie, one who prefers small hotels that have an at home-like atmosphere.

P.S. Contact info@mappstravel.com for our complete guide to Paris.

A very special merci beaucoup to Riccardo and Team J.K.

ON OUR RADAR: THE MARK SAILBOAT

Looking for the perfect spot for a summer celebration or a romantic evening on the water? Look no further then The Mark Hotel’s spectacular, luxurious Sailboat. The sleek, 70 foot Herreshoff sailboat, originally launched in 1921, has been completely restored with a solid mahogany hull and lustrous Indian teak decks. The sailboat’s interior was designed to be a floating extension of The Mark Hotel’s aesthetic conceived by legendary French designer Jacques Grange, whose signature black and white stripes, synonymous with the hotel’s lobby, adorn the elegant accommodations on deck.

The journey begins at Tribeca’s North Cove Marina (transportation to the dock is provided courtesy of the hotel should you add on a swanky Upper East Side stay) with a celebratory oyster toast which are shucked and served at the Marina. Once the passengers board, the ship sets sail and travels south through New York’s harbor, offering guests plenty of photo worthy moments with a backdrop of the city’s dramatic skyline. Guests get the rare opportunity to sail up close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while enjoying delicious canapés such as Caprese skewers, lobster with ginger sauce, tuna tartare, caviar ‘dumplings and crudite, created by the hotel's famous chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten while sipping Champagne, wine and ginger margaritas.

The boat can accommodate up to 25 guests… perfect for any celebration, but can also be reserved for as few as two people, making it an ideal choice for an intimate date night or proposal moment.  

Ready to set sail? Email info@mappstravel.com xx Cheers!