Postcards from Europe: Our Principals' Favorites From Their Recent Travels
July 31, 2026
Heather, Lynsey, and Reed share the destinations, shops, hotels, and experiences that made this trip unforgettable.
Travel has a way of opening our eyes to beautiful places, thoughtful design, and unforgettable experiences. We hope these favorite finds inspire your own European adventure.
London offered timeless luxury and impeccable design around every corner. The Lanesborough, just steps from Buckingham Palace, set the tone with unmatched service and interiors that make it one of the city's most memorable hotel stays. If you appreciate beautifully curated interiors, carve out an afternoon for Pimlico Road, home to a rich collection of independent galleries, antiques dealers, and design boutiques.
If you find yourself craving a quieter escape from the city, head to the Cotswolds and spend an afternoon at Daylesford. The charming farm shop, café, and gardens offer the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the English countryside.
Perched above the harbor, Splendido is everything you'd hope for in a Portofino escape. Impeccable service, striking suites, and exceptional dining make it the kind of place you'll be planning your return to before you've even checked out. Overlooking the iconic pastel village, colorful fishing boats, and sparkling Ligurian coastline, the setting is every bit as breathtaking as the photographs suggest.
No European itinerary feels complete without time in Milan. Seeing Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper in person is every bit as incredible as you'd imagine and well worth planning ahead for. Brunch at Portrait Milano, Ferragamo's beautifully restored hotel, is a must, with its serene courtyard, striking glass architecture, and standout restaurants like B-Far. Round out the day with a traditional barber experience at the iconic Eredi Zucca, then browse a few of our favorite Milan shops, including Edhèn Milano for bespoke leather goods, Acqua di Parma's flagship boutique, home to the iconic fragrance house founded in 1916, and Blaise Milano for impeccably tailored Italian fashion.
For a slower pace, Lake Como offered a different kind of beauty. The best way to take it in is by boat, sailing past iconic villas, charming waterfront towns, and breathtaking mountain views reflected across the lake. Don't miss Villa Carlotta, where 14 acres of botanical gardens invite you to slow down and wander the grounds before taking in the villa's spectacular lakeside setting.
Paris offered no shortage of inspiration. An afternoon at the Musée d'Orsay is essential, with masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas filling one of the city's most beautiful museums. Just around the corner, Charvet continues its legacy of exceptional craftsmanship, and a bespoke tailoring appointment here is a memorable stop for anyone who appreciates timeless style.
Until the next adventure, we hope these recommendations inspire a few new stops on your own European itinerary.