Trade Water Villa at Song Saa in Cambodia.
The latest openings and events from around the world.
A sweetheart of an escape
Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia - A pair of once-deserted islands in the Gulf of Thailand have been transformed into a luxurious villa-only hideaway called Song Saa (or The Sweethearts). Don't expect bustling nightlife or an exhausting list of resort activities, guests come here to get away from it all and spend their time practising yoga, beachcombing or kayaking in crystal-clear waters before retreating to the private pool. The most exclusive accommodation choice is the two-bedroom, over-the-water Royal Villa, which comes with a private jetty and uninterrupted sunset views of the ocean. songsaa.com
Deep in the jungle
Ecuador - Situated in a private rain forest reserve two and a half hours from Quito, Mashpi Lodge (opening April 15) is a contemporary eco-lodge catering to nature lovers and sybarites alike. Its 22 sleek rooms include three suites that come with private hot tubs and views over the lush landscape. Spa treatments make use of earth, herbs and stones from the surrounding reserve, and the main dining room features gourmet organic cuisine and fine South American wines. The real draw, however, is the local wildlife which includes monkeys, 500 bird species and countless varieties of orchids. Expert naturalist guides are on hand to lead guests on night walks and into the butterfly vivarium. mashpilodge.com
Fresh from the garden
Yountville, Calif. - With its farm-, ocean-, and field-to-fork cuisine, Lucy is the latest addition to Yountville's famed locavore dining scene. Set inside the posh Bardessono hotel, the restaurant has a seasonal menu that is presented under three captions: garden (freshly dug carrot salad), ocean (oysters on the half shell) and range (Sonoma-Artisan foie gras). Ingredients include herbs from its own garden (ask for a pre-meal garden tour with chef Victor Scargle) and such Napa and Sonoma area farms as Jacobsen Family Orchards, the exclusive supplier of fruit and vegetables to Thomas Keller's The French Laundry. Mixologist Vincent Lee, who formerly headed the bar at Auberge du Soleil, serves up craft beers, biodynamic wines and signature cocktails. bardessono.com
Geometric rings and chicken teapots
Brooklyn, N.Y. - If you're on the hunt for a unique souvenir, stop by California-born designer Caitlin Mociun's new Williamsburg boutique. Best known for presenting her edgy jewellery and hand-drawn print dresses in industrial pop-up shops, Mociun's permanent retail space is an artistically laid-out collection of her signature geometric rings, necklaces and bangles, and her collaborations with other designers (ask about the terracotta funnel and brass ring necklace she designed with Katy Krantz). Also on sale are one-of-a-kind chicken-shaped teapots by Brooklyn-based ceramic artist Shino Takeda and switchblades by Santa Fe Stoneworks. 224 Wythe Ave. mociun.com
Special to The Globe and Mail