Exotic Escapes for NY Notables

Jonathan Adler, interior designer – Scalinatella Hotel in Capri: Jonathan Adler, the king of happy chic, is effusive about his exotic escape: “I live for the Scalinatella Hotel in Capri. I've even given it a major shout-out in my new books. It's purrrrrrrfect. I love that it has a real sense of place. The dreamy surrealism—colorful tile floors, scrolly furniture, weird sculptures—are all whomped together in a way that captures the otherworldly majesty of Capri. It's quirky and improbably un-self-conscious.” Just like Jonathan’s interiors, Scalinatella’s vivid colors, graphic shapes, and mixed prints brighten and enliven spaces no matter how low the temperature goes.

Sarah Sheehan, head curator of Gilt City, New York City – Rome, Italy: An expert in city happenings and hot spots, Gilt City’s Sarah Sheehan never takes an ordinary vacation. She explains the method to her madness: “Traveling to Rome in the winter may seem crazy, but I absolutely love being there minus the tourists and the heat. I adore waking up and standing with the locals every morning over cappuccino and sneaking into a cozy trattoria each night for a long dinner with lots of vino—very romantic! I rented a gorgeous apartment right at the Spanish Steps [because]…renting an apartment in Europe makes me feel like I am a local who is at home in the city."

Hattie Grace Elliot, matchmaker and founder of The Grace List – Koh Jum Villas in Thailand: Matchmaker extraordinaire Hattie Grace Elliot just returned from a month-long mid-winter trip to Thailand, where she fell in love with the small island of Koh Jum. Game for complete cultural displacement, Hattie embraced this “unspoiled paradise.” Koh Jum is sustained by rubber and coconut farming and “[has] the pristine beaches [and jungles], no cars, and limited electricity, [which] truly forces you to really relax.” Where to stay? “Koh Jum Villas are positioned right on a long stretch of white sand, and they have beautifully appointed oceanfront bungalows.”