Escapes, Inspire
Discovering the Opulence of New York City: A Travel Guide
Welcome to the pulsating heart of luxury and sophistication– New York City, where every street corner tells a tale of opulence and grandeur. As you embark on your journey through the concrete jungle, allow us to be your discerning guide through the city's lavish offerings, curated especially for the aficionados of luxury living.
Where to Stay
Settle into the lap of indulgence at The Plaza, an iconic landmark epitomizing luxury in Manhattan. With its timeless elegance and impeccable service, The Plaza promises an unforgettable stay, reminiscent of the golden era of New York's high society. Between museum visits or a stroll in Central Park, carve out time to indulge in the hotel’s celebrated 111SKIN Spa, where transformative treatments leave you feeling refreshed and radiant.
Immerse yourself in the sleek modernity of The Baccarat Hotel, where refined French aesthetics meet contemporary design. From shimmering crystal chandeliers to opulent suites, this property feels like stepping into a Parisian jewel box. Be sure to visit the hotel’s La Mer Spa, an oasis in the clouds that redefines luxury wellness.
For a stay steeped in history and character, The Hotel Chelsea offers a bohemian yet polished escape. Once the haunt of artists, writers, and musicians, the property has been reborn as one of New York’s most enchanting boutique hotels, retaining its soul while welcoming guests with modern comforts.
At The Fifth Avenue Hotel, design is everything. Its lavish interiors are a masterclass in eclectic elegance, drawing inspiration from the Gilded Age while remaining thoroughly contemporary. Don’t miss a cocktail at the hotel’s Portrait Bar, a jewel-box lounge with the ambiance of a private club.
Pendry Manhattan West offers a calm, contemporary counterpoint to the city’s constant motion. With understated interiors, thoughtful service, and a focus on serenity, it’s the perfect hideaway for travelers seeking a modern balance of indulgence and ease.
Fine Dining Experiences
For an intimate, laid-back Italian experience, Torrisi celebrates the flavors of New York through an Italian lens. Expect inventive takes on familiar classics, all served in a warm yet stylish atmosphere that reflects the restaurant’s downtown roots.
No trip to New York is complete without dinner at Carbone, a temple of Italian-American cuisine. From spicy rigatoni to veal parm, the dishes are as iconic as the crowd they attract. With its vintage glamour and white-jacketed service, Carbone remains a quintessential New York dining experience.
Raoul’s is a Soho institution, where French bistro classics meet timeless downtown cool. The steak au poivre, rich and perfectly executed, has earned legendary status—and the intimate, art-lined space makes every meal feel like a secret shared with insiders.
For brunch with effortless style, La Mercerie is a dream. Located within the Roman and Williams Guild, this café serves delicate French dishes in a sun-dappled, design-forward setting. Between courses, wander the adjoining Guild—a gallery-like retail space blending interiors, florals, and artisanal finds. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as the palate.
If it’s elevated comfort food you’re after, The Corner Store delivers American favorites with polish. With a menu that pays homage to the classics while maintaining a contemporary sensibility, it’s an ideal stop for a casual yet refined meal.
Bars and Lounges
The jewel of Manhattan’s cocktail scene, the Baccarat Bar is where sophistication finds its truest expression. Beneath glittering chandeliers and surrounded by Baccarat crystal, order the Old Fashioned—it’s an experience as timeless as the drink itself.
At Polo Bar, Ralph Lauren’s vision of refined American luxury comes to life. With its equestrian details, leather banquettes, and hushed atmosphere, the bar feels like an invitation into the designer’s world. The cocktails, like the space, are classics done with elegance.
For something daring and theatrical, Faena New York dazzles. Its venues—The Living Room and the hidden El Secreto—are lush, moody, and whimsical, enveloping guests in a surreal sense of glamour. Even if you only stop in for a single drink, the decor alone is worth the journey.
Casual Culinary Delights
There’s no better introduction to New York mornings than a bagel, and Black Seed Bagel sets the bar high. Their hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels are a perfect balance of chew and crispness, redefining the city’s most iconic bite.
For something sweet and indulgent, Fabrique Artisan Bakery is a Scandinavian-inspired gem. Known for its perfectly spiced cardamom buns and artisanal breads, it’s a little slice of Stockholm in downtown Manhattan.
Sightseeing Extravaganza
Begin your exploration with the city’s icons—Central Park, a masterpiece of landscape architecture, and Times Square, where neon lights and energy converge in a way that feels uniquely New York. Then, lose yourself in the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where ancient treasures and contemporary works are housed under one magnificent roof.
Part of the joy of New York is discovering the ephemeral. The city thrives on pop-ups and immersive brand activations, whether it’s a fashion house unveiling a limited-time concept store or an artist transforming a downtown loft. For luxury travelers, these fleeting experiences are an essential part of the city’s cultural rhythm.
Shopping in Style
SoHo is where luxury meets downtown edge, a district alive with cobblestone streets and flagships that feel equal parts fashion destination and cultural landmark. Within its maze of boutiques, Kirna Zabête on Mercer Street is a must-visit, with a highly curated selection of fashion’s most coveted designers. A few blocks away, The RealReal elevates luxury resale into a refined treasure hunt—where rare finds and archival pieces mingle with contemporary cult favorites. Whether you’re window shopping or adding to your collection, SoHo offers a shopping experience that feels as stylish as the neighborhood itself.
Fifth Avenue, by contrast, is quintessential New York shopping—grand, iconic, and cinematic. No matter how many times you’ve visited the city, you’ll inevitably find yourself here, swept into a world where heritage storefronts and gleaming flagships line the avenue. From Bvlgari to Saks Fifth Avenue, these temples of luxury have been the backdrops of our favorite films for centuries. At the heart of it all stands Bergdorf Goodman, an institution that sets the standard for refinement, with floor after floor of designer gowns, tailored menswear, exclusive beauty counters, and curated home collections. To shop here is to step into the very essence of New York glamour.
For a quieter indulgence, discover Ludivine, a boutique that brings Parisian chic to Manhattan. Focused on French labels and timeless design, it offers a thoughtful edit of wardrobe staples that feel as personal as they are luxurious. Tucked away from the crowds, Ludivine embodies the understated side of New York shopping—an insider’s gem waiting to be uncovered.
New York City beckons with a symphony of luxury and indulgence, inviting you to immerse yourself in its vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine, shopping, and design. Let your senses be captivated by the allure of its streets, where every moment is a celebration of the finer things in life. Embrace the essence of luxury and let the city that never sleeps awaken your spirit of pleasure and discovery.