TRAVEL

From Marbella to Whale Beach, These Are the Hamptons of the Globe


Hamptons of...

The Hamptons has long been known as a glamorous, summer escape for Manhattan’s most deep-pocketed residents. It is full of mega million dollar beachfront homes, beautiful yachts, high-end restaurants, and plenty of celebrities. But the real draw of the Hamptons is that if you choose to avoid the velvet-rope clubs and overpriced restaurants, it is positively tranquil seaside getaway from manic days in Manhattan. Similarly, urbanites around the globe have their own coastal summer escapes. There’s no replacing the Hamptons, but what is the Hamptons of Rome or Madrid? Where do South Africans escape to during their summer weekends? We turned to resident travel expert Erina Pindar, managing director of SmartFlyer, for these answers. Here, she weighs in on some of the most luxurious getaways around the globe and where to sleep, eat, and play in each of them.

Similarly, urbanites around the globe have their own coastal summer escapes. There’s no replacing the Hamptons, but what is the Hamptons of Rome or Madrid? Where do South Africans escape to during their summer weekends? We turned to resident travel expert Erina Pindar, managing director of SmartFlyer, for these answers. Here, she weighs in on some of the most luxurious getaways around the globe and where to sleep, eat, and play in each of them.

1

The Hamptons of Madrid: Marbella, Spain

Marbella is full of European charm with some Andalusian touches. My favorite hotel there is the 60-year-old Marbella Club, which is steeped in history and Spanish charm. A must-do is a lunch at the Club’s famous Beach Club. Another favorite hotel is the gorgeous Finca Cortesin. Be sure to swing by Marbella Old Town for some tapas and Ana Maria’s famous flamenco!

Photo by @marbellaclubh.

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The Hamptons of Madrid: Marbella, Spain

Photo by @marbellaclubh.

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The Hamptons of Madrid: Marbella, Spain

Photo by @marbellaclubh.

4

The Hamptons of Buenos Aires: José Ignacio, Uruguay

With its pristine, golden sandy beaches, rugged landscape, and cool bohemian lifestyle, Jose Ignacio is positively idyllic. Nearby are Garzon and Punta del Este peninsula, along with the nearby islands Gorriti or Lobos. My favorite place there is the Estancia Vik, [http://estanciavikjoseignacio.com/indexENG.php], it sits on 4,000 acres of Jose Ignacio countryside and is a traditional estancia with white adobe walls and red tin roofs.

Photo by @vikretreats.

5

The Hamptons of Rome: Puglia, Italy

Puglia is the Hamptons of Rome, with its endless expanse of olive groves and the Adriatic as the background. The place to stay is Borgo Egnazia, in the Suite Egnazia in La Corte, which has its own private pool. In the evening, drive to Cisternino to have dinner at Da Zio Pietro. Another great place to stay here is the Masseria San Domenico. Take a bike ride to Savelletri for aperitivo and crudo at Pescheria 2 Mari or spend a lazy beach day at San Domenico al Mare enjoying prosecco and crudo. Summer months are perfect for Puglia, of course, but every season offers something a little different.

Photo by @borgoegnazia.

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The Hamptons of Rome: Puglia, Italy

Photo by @borgoegnazia.

7

The Hamptons of Sydney: Whale Beach, Australia

It is a Northern beachside community where all the Aussie celebs go to get away from the crowds for the holidays. This area is only about an hour from Sydney CBD by car. Stay at Jonah’s, the Relais & Chateaux property overlooking Whale Beach. A car is a must because you’ll want to get around easily and check out all the cute shops, delis, and restaurants. Brunch at The Boat House in Palm Beach is a must, and don’t forget to swing by Whale Beach Deli on your way out for something delicious later. Dinner at Clareville Kiosk is another must. There’s great all-day dining at the Waterfront at Church Point and The Newport.

Photo by @jonahswhalebeach.

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The Hamptons of Sydney: Whale Beach, Australia Photo by @jonahswhalebeach.

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The Hamptons of Cape Town: Clifton, South Africa

Clifton is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa. The best place to stay is the unbelievably chic Ellerman House. Once home to shipping magnates Sir John and Lady Ellerman, the property has one of the most beautiful ocean views in South Africa. By water, South Africa’s world-class wine country is only about an hour away in Stellenbosch and Franschoek—day trips are easily done and encouraged. If you can get a reservation, dinner at the Test Kitchen is a must-do, currently the wait list is about three months long.

Photo by @ellermanhousehotel.