Travel + Leisure

Travel Diary: Design Driven

June 2006

When they're not checking in on their latest projects, these five hotel makers are circling the globe for inspiration. David A. Keeps discovers their favorite haunts, insider agendas, and must-book rooms

Kelly Wearstler
Principal, Kwid, Los Angeles
The visionary behind the Viceroy hotels in Santa Monica and Palm Springs, Kelly Wearstler is currently at work on a renovation of the Tides in South Beach and a new Viceroy property on Anguilla. "I have a folder for every city that I visit often," she says. "I add to them constantly, because even the best concierge isn't as interested in design as I am." SUITCASE STRATEGY "I grab everything on hangers, fold it in half to pack, and then hang everything when I get there. There's less fashion drama when it's all in front of me quickly." LOFTY LUXURY "At the Katikies Hotel in Santorini, the sleeping area is upstairs in a little loft space, which is so charming." TALL ORDER "Amanpuri, in Phuket, has a seafood salad that I love simply because it's composed so beautifully." SHOP TALK "For shoes and bags, it's the district around the Four Seasons in Milan. For furniture, I like Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami-specifically Gustavo Olivieri, Michel Contessa, and Art & Antiques." FAMILY MATTERS "We just spent two weeks in Kona at the Four Seasons. My sons are learning their letters, and the hotel put these little letter-shaped sponges in the bathtub for them." TRAVEL MANTRA "Always pack a tape measure and an extra suitcase." SUMMER GETAWAY "We're going to rent a house in Sardinia and just chill."