HOLIDAY TRAVEL

From Havana to Reykjavik: Where W Editors are Spending their Haute Holidays


SAM A: HOTEL 101.jpg

Some of us are opting for the whole winter wonderland experience these holidays, others are heading to Havana, the haute destination of the moment, and others still are keeping things simple at upstate New York butcher shops. Here’s the best of holiday globe-trotting, from Aspen to Barcelona.

1
Aspen Art Museum’s new building by Shigeru Ban Architects, in the heart of Aspen. Photo by Getty Images.

“I am headed out to Aspen, Colorado for the holiday. While I plan to spend my days skiing, I am most looking forward to visiting the Aspen Art Museum after the slopes close. The Shigeru Ban building is in the center of town and currently has a Julian Schnabel show up: ‘Julian Schnabel Plate Painting 1978-96.’” – Rickie De Sole, Fashion Market and Accessories Director

2

“I’m heading to Havana for New Year’s Eve, where it’s a far cry from our below freezing temperatures in New York!” – Gillian Sagansky, contributing writer

3
The Umbrella House by Paul Rudolph in Lido Key, Florida. Photos courtesy Sarasota Architectural Foundation, © Anton Grassl, Esto

“Sarasota may be one of Florida’s quieter resort towns, a throwback to Mad Men-era jet-setting that’s now preferred by those—like Michael Kors, who owns in tony Longboat Key—who want a low key alternative to crowded hamlets like Palm Beach. But its real hidden treasure is a style of architecture known as Sarasota Modern that boasts properties by Paul Rudolph, like the Umbrella House in Lido Shores and the Walker Guest House, a replica of which is now on view at the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Not too far from there is Ringling’s former mansion, the baroque Cà d’Zan, which you might remember from the Gwyneth Paltrow adaptation of Great Expectations.” – Erik Maza, Digital Features Director

4
Hotel 101 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Photo courtesy of Hotel 101.

“I’m planning to go to Iceland for a full winter wonderland experience. For the first few days, I’m going to explore Reykjavik, eat delicious seafood and stay at the modern, Scandinavian-style Hotel 101.” – Sam Andriano, Social Media Manager

5
Claridge’s, in Mayfair, London. Photo courtesy of Claridge’s.

“I am spending Christmas in London, and I am so excited to stay in one of London’s most iconic hotels – Claridge’s. This year their tree has been designed by Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. Their holiday décor is so amazing it’s hard not to feel festive. Second on the list is ice skating at Somerset House.” – Caroline Grosso, Senior Digital Fashion Editor

6
A view of Harbour Island, Eleuthera, The Bahamas, from above. Photo by Getty Images.

“I will be going to Harbour Island in the Bahamas for Christmas! It is one of my favorite places to visit in the world because of their pink sand beaches and delicious pina coladas.” – Gabriella De Givenchy, Fashion Assistant

7
Laduree shop on The Champs-Elysées in Paris, France. Photo by Getty Images.

“I am spending the holidays in Paris, and I’m exited to have a coffee in the new Holiday Café in the 16th arrondissement, and a perfect Buche de Noel from Laduree for Christmas. And for New Year’s? I’ll be skiing in the French station of Courchevel.” – Schanel Bakkouche, Jewelry Assistant

8
Mammoth Mountain, in Mammoth Lakes, California.

“Heading to California, for more of the same weather! I’ll be spending the holidays with a group of friends in Mammoth, the ski resort that L.A.-dwellers flock to for a quintessential winter getaway. We plan to ski, eat and drink, not necessarily in that order.” – Tracey Zane, Associate Director of Branded Content

9
The Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona, Spain. Photo courtesy of The Majestic Hotel.

“I spent a few summers in Barcelona as a teenager, and this Christmas I’ll be returning as an adult, and staying at the Majestic Hotel & Spa. It has fantastic spa amenities, and is located on the city’s main shopping street Passeig de Gràcia, ferfect for some last-minute presents.” – Sarah Leon, Digital Editorial Director

10
Marbled Meat Shop, in Cold Spring, New York. Photo by Emilia Petrarca.

“I’ll be traveling to upstate New York for the Christmas holiday. My family has a house near Cold Spring and we’re stopping at Marbled Meats along the way, which is a stellar butcher shop. The only real shopping that needs to be done over the holidays, in my opinion!” – Emilia Petrarca, Digital Associate Features Editor