La Réserve Genève is the first hotel in the world to offer guests access to a fleet of Tesla Roadsters.
The latest openings and events from around the world.
ELECTRIC AVENUE
Geneva – If you have ever dreamed of conquering the Swiss Alps from behind the wheel of a top-of-the-line sports car, consider a stay at La Réserve Genève. It's the first hotel to offer guests access to a fleet of Tesla Roadsters. Car buffs can zoom around Lake Geneva in the award-winning, zero-emission electric sports car, which revs from zero to 96 kilometres an hour in 3.7 seconds. It's an eco-friendly way to take in the nearby towns of Montreux or Lausanne, but it's a splurge. Rental rates start at 790 Swiss francs ($1,075) a day and with only five Teslas in the fleet, you'll have to reserve your ride well in advance. lareserve.ch/en/home
LUXE IN LITTLE ITALY
New York – One of downtown Manhattan's coolest neighbourhoods finally has a posh design hotel of its own. The 55-room Nolitan – the first luxury boutique property in NoLita, short for North of Little Italy – specializes in tailor-made perks. Before you check in, the staff can personalize your room to order, stocking the fridge with organic groceries and fluffing the bed with specific pillow types. Hop on a Nolitan-branded skateboard or bike to explore (they're free to borrow), or cash in on the discounts provided at local boutiques like Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Bio and Calypso. This is one of the few places in the Big Apple where you'll get complimentary daily New York Times delivery, surcharge-free long-distance calling, and a generous 2 p.m. checkout time. nolitanhotel.com
ART KICK START
Paris – Navigating the city's collections can be a daunting task, especially when you don't know Monet from Manet. Recently released by Museyon Guides is the unwieldy titled Art + Paris: Impressionists and Post-Impressionists: The Ultimate Guide to Artists, Paintings and Places in Paris and Normandy. It delves into vivid historic accounts of the museums and includes interesting cultural tidbits, colour photos and maps outlining walking tours that retrace the footsteps and inspiration of artists such as Renoir, Degas and van Gogh. If you're planning a visit to Paris this fall, do your reading before visiting the Musée d'Orsay. The famed museum, which is home to many priceless Impressionist paintings, is slated to unveil its renovated spaces after nearly two years of work. amazon.ca
SOUTH ASIAN STYLE
Singapore – Black Market No. 2 is a concept store-cum-gallery that spotlights the creations of new Southeast Asian designers. Filipino video artist Quincy Teofisto and motion graphics designer Jasmine Tuan run the space, which is sparsely outfitted with wooden crates, exposed ceilings and unadorned clothes racks. The main attraction is the carefully curated collection of clothing and accessories. Don't leave without picking up a pair of funky shades by Mystic Vintage Eyewear or a necklace by Mandy Wu – both are Singaporean designers. theblackmarket.sg
Special to The Globe and Mail