Jetsetter x M.Gemi: Summer’s Hottest Destinations (Plus, the Shoes to Wear When You’re There)

 

For Glamorous Culture Vultures: Malta

Once ruled by the Romans, the Moors, and the British, among others, Malta is one of the world’s richest melting pots. As such, the tiny island nation has become one of Europe’s most glamorous bolt holes, drawing celebrities like Madonna and Brad Pitt as well as yachting glitterati for seaside pursuits with a side of culture. Sound like your kind of place? Drop your bags in Valletta and admire the view at The Phoenicia, where Queen Elizabeth once visited, then set out to explore the capital city’s centuries-old buildings and alleys, including baroque St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the ornate 16^th-century Grandmaster’s Palace, and the ancient ruins at Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, which originated in 4,000 B.C. After working up an appetite, do like the locals do and load up on sea-urchin pasta at Da’ Pippo before taking in live jazz at the Bridge Bar on Friday nights.

What to Wear: For women, the Treccia in white is the perfect breezy sandal for Europe’s hottest island destination and can effortlessly take you from the sandy ruins of Malta’s megalithic temples to the buzzy shores of the waterfront Harbour Club. For men, the Sacca loafer in sand is stylish but comfortable, ideal for navigating Valletta’s nearly six-centuries-old cobblestoned streets.

 

For Back-to-Nature Enlightenment Seekers: Bali

Bali is no longer Southeast Asia’s backpacker-fueled raving party capital. While the island has always been a celebrity vacation favorite (John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and the Obamas were recently spotted here), a new generation of travelers (and developers) are upping the island’s cool-factor and getting back to its roots. Case in point: the opening of two new luxury hotels that pay homage to local traditions. At COMO Uma Canggu, near Seminyak, you can surf the world-class breaks and splurge on a soothing body mask made with rice, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger before retreating to a guest room awash in neutral hues and streamlined modern furnishings. The accommodations are just as sumptuous at Capella Ubud, a tented camp nestled within the Wos River’s rainforests and terraced rice fields and conceived by renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley. This is no place for t-shirts and flip flops; the cool crowd ups the ante with cross-over crop tops, lightweight pants, and sarongs, and accessories that take you from the beach to upscale dinners in the trees.

What to Wear: The epitome of island chic, these sexy leather Siena slip-ons will take you from the pool to a sultry night out—no wardrobe change necessary. For men, the handmade Pranzo in hickory echoes traditional Balinese craftsmanship with its textural stitched seams.

 

For Sophisticated Romantics: Paris

Widely considered the most romantic place on the planet, Paris is more than mere hyperbole. Whether you’re strolling the tree-lined sidewalks of the Champs-Élysées or wandering the maze of cobblestone streets in locals-only neighborhoods, la vie en rose is present at every turn. Everywhere you look, everything seems to be polished to a tee: men with their crisp white shirts and fashionable looped scarves, women with their perfect red-lacquered nails and chic tailored blazers. Splurge on a room at the recently renovated Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, then make like a tourist—Paris is one of the few destinations where the beaten path is actually worth traveling. Catch a sunset cruise down the Seine, sip a sidewalk latte with a side of café culture at Les Deux Magots in charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or simply hunt for the city’s best baguette at Boulangerie Brun, in the 13^th arrondissement.

What to Wear: The women’s black Stellato Sachetto is a sophisticated yet comfortable flat that’s equally suited for wandering the Marais like a local or lounging in the city’s gilded grand dame hotels. As for men, we suggest the Lucente in white—a cool, modern twist on the classic sneaker made for strolls along the Seine.

 

For Stylish Trendsetters: The Hamptons

The quintessential summer beach vacation is just another day in the Hamptons, a cluster of tony enclaves on Long Island’s East End where sun-seeking New Yorkers plant their beach umbrellas on warm-weather weekends. Travelers who want nothing more than to hop between beaches and stock up on picnic fixings at roadside stands will find their personal paradise along these shores, where drives take you past iconic shingled homes and inns with farm-to-table restaurants (we love Topping Rose House, in an 1842 Greek Revival mansion) and promise simpler pleasures: fresh-shucked bivalves at Little Creek Oyster Farm in Greenport, rosé from the vineyards at Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, and sunset strolls along Main Beach in East Hampton… Calvin Klein and Tory Burch both own homes here, which might help explain the coastal-casual unofficial uniform: breezy white button-downs, jean shorts, and straw hats.

 

What to Wear: For ladies and gents, the Palestra and the Lucente Contrasto—casual lace-up sneakers—are just the right amount of prep to throw on for a quick pedal to the market or brunch.

 

For In-the-Know Design Lovers: Mexico City

It’s little wonder why Mexico City was recently hailed as this year’s World Design Capital: with its cutting-edge museums, fashionable hotels, and ultramodern restaurants, the DF has style in spades—and we’re not just talking about its landmarks. Locals and visitors channel the city’s hot spots with their wide-brimmed hats, breezy dresses and button-ups, vibrant handbags, and big block sunglasses. Beeline to Chapultepec Park, where you’ll find contemporary art bastions Museo Tamayo and La Galería de Arte Mexicano. Another gem: the 14,000-square-foot Museo Universitario Arte Contemporaneo, located on the grounds of an eco-reserve. Follow it all up with a meal that looks as good as it tastes at Quintonil, acclaimed chef Jorge Vallejo’s tasting menu mecca in the Polanco district, and end your night at Condesa DF, a hotel housed in a Parisian-style building that touched off the city’s boutique craze with its trendy rooftop bar.

What to Wear: Gals, you’ll feel right at home among the fashionistas (Salma Hayek has stayed here) in strappy Lizza heels, which you can wear from a day of art appreciation to a night of rooftop dancing. For guys, the Netto Due hand-painted sneakers fit perfectly with the city’s artsy vibe.

 

P.S. Haven’t taken our quiz yet? Head here to see which destination fits your personal travel style—then enter for a chance to win a pair of M.Gemi shoes and $150 in Jetsetter travel cash!

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