more than this provincial life | a trip to capelongue bonnieux
Sometimes (well, most of the time, if it was socially acceptable) we need to get away from it all. Abandon all man-made horrors—phones, social media, hustle culture—and embrace the serenity of nature.
Provence evokes an escapist fantasy, filled with a Ripley-esque aesthetic and majoring in elegant, laidback simplicity. It’s the ideal atmosphere to relax and unwind. The village of Bonnieux is the epitome of all things typically Provence. It’s got the winding cobblestone paths, whimsical (and forever photogenic) cypress alleys, vast expanses of grey-green garrigue, lavender fields and the distant sound of crickets.
Hidden within Bonnieux is a quaint hamlet of little stone buildings, scattered among lush, wild gardens. Driving past it, Capelongue Bonnieux can easily be mistaken for a tiny Provençal village. In fact, this charming oasis is a hotel. Opened in 2022 after a huge renovation, Capelongue Bonnieux feels like it’s been part of the region for decades. Timeless and quaint, the hotel’s extensive grounds are occupied by 57 stone buildings of varying shapes and sizes, serving as rooms and suites.
Designed by the architects at JAUNE, Provençal charm is everywhere. Rooms are rustic, arty and unfussy, but not limited. There are all the creature comforts—flatscreen TV, mini-bar, Bluetooth speakers—but the vibe prioritises laidback, minimal, understated chic. Think glazed earthenware, natural fibres, wicker furniture, crisp linen sheets, crowns of dried wheat and terracotta tiles.
Most rooms have a terrace or balcony either overlooking the swimming pool or extensive grounds. Even ones that lead out to one of the many herb gardens that scent the air. Fiercely proud of the local heritage, every corner of the hotel is filled with antiques, art and ceramics made by local artists both young and old. Even the furniture has been made by regional craftsmen.
The food scene at Capelongue is so good that you don’t have to drive out to the main village. There are two restaurants—the Michelin-starred La Bastide and the more casual La Bergerie, which is cosy Provence vibes at its finest with its wood-fired oven and insane views of Bonnieux from its open room and terrace. It gets busy with locals and hotel guests but the quiet chaos is part of its charm. The majority of what’s on offer is made over the woodfire so offerings are hearty. Dishes to try: the grilled Mediterranean sea bream, the super-crispy Provençal pizza, the roasted artichoke with homemade aioli and anything that’s the chef’s choice of the day.
Not to miss: the dessert buffet of dreams which is essentially a table loaded with regional cakes, rich chocolate puddings, handmade cookies, bowls of freshly whipped cream and seasonal fruits.
There’s also a little café on-site—Café Capelongue—which offers great drinks and very moreish regional dishes to share. It’s probably the most romantic and picturesque part of the hotel with its bubbling fountains and chairs and tables hidden throughout the grounds.
In terms of wellness, there are two pools at Capelongue. One that’s for relaxing and unwinding—ideal for the sunlounger loafers and those that just like to chill and dip in now and then. The other is a narrow strip of a pool, made for the more serious strenuous swimmers and active lap enthusiasts. There’s also a fantastic spa hidden within a stone alcove behind unmarked doors. The treatment menu is small but mighty with some great facial offerings from Biologique Recherche. Massages are tailor-made and very well done. There’s also a very ambient Roman bath, a great little hammam and a gym. If lying on a massage bed isn’t your thing, sports enthusiasts will be happy to know that there are electric bikes you can borrow anytime and tons of yoga, tai chi, gymnastics and weight training classes on offer.
Capelongue Bonnieux is its own Provençal village within an actual village. Authentic, understated and beautiful. The perfect little tranquil oasis of peace and calm when you just want to escape it all.
Just in time for the summer weather, Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten opens its newly redesigned outdoor terrace, DECK 4, as part of the extensive redevelopment of Neuer Jungfernstieg. Located directly on the pontoon with panoramic views of the Inner Alster Lake and its iconic fountain, the terrace reopens in fresh style more than 15 years after the debut of the original “Jahreszeiten Terrace.”
“Our aim is to offer our guests an exceptional culinary experience in a unique ambiance,” says Ingo C. Peters, Managing Director of Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. “The redesign of our terrace is a great opportunity to further develop our gastronomic concepts and create a special place in the summer months.”
This follows 15 years after the debut of the original “Jahreszeiten Terrace” with the hotel reopening their beloved summer venue under a new name and concept. DECK 4 brings together Northern German elegance and a distinctly maritime character. The refreshed design features a sophisticated blue-and-white colour scheme paired with premium wooden furnishings, offering guests a stylish and serene waterfront setting with stunning views of the historic Alster fountain.
Welcoming both Hamburg locals and international visitors, DECK 4 invites guests to experience summer in the city with a modern Hanseatic flair. The redesigned space is not just a visual transformation but offers an entirely new culinary direction. The menu strongly focuses on top-quality regional ingredients, particularly highlighting northern fish specialties enriched with global influences. From traditional fish sandwiches and luxurious lobster rolls to delicate seafood linguine, each dish showcases regional pride, inviting people to “discover maritime cuisine right in the heart of Hamburg.”
Hotel Mongibello feels like a tranquil escape from the electric pace of Ibiza. It’s a stunning hideaway and its beauty lies in its stylish details. Perched on top of a hill, Mongibello’s entrance leaves an impression. Guests are greeted by a gigantic statue in a fountain circled by cushioned seating. Outside the hotel’s white double doors are blue bicycles and a vintage red Italian car. Its ivory exteriors with touches of rouge are a chic contrast to the hotel’s coastal white and blue colour palette. From the custom teal tiles to the white piano, the beauty of the ocean waves outside are tastefully incorporated into the hotel’s interior design.
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Mongibello is one of several hotels imagined by the Ibiza’s Hotel Concept Group, known for its signature retro themed hotels like fashion hotel Los Felices and art hotel Paradiso. Mongibello, however, stands out from the rest as its aesthetic is a little closer to home than its counterparts inspired by destinations like Miami and Cuba. Mongibello is distinctly Mediterranean, paying homage to the Amalfi Coast with an art deco twist. It is a taste of Italy’s la dolce vita brought to the Balaeriac islands.
Positioned right by the beach, Mongibello is grand and elegant. Particularly if you get yourself a room with a sea view or one of its 32 suites named after icons of the island. The tiles from the room extend onto the balcony creating a seamless indoors-outdoors connection. Waking up to the chirping of birds and the crashing of waves is a simple pleasure complimented by the lush details of the room, like rouge velvet headboards and custom architectural mirrors. Although it would have been great to see some of the stunning elements of Italian design incorporated into the standard bathrooms too.
Mongibello has some relaxing activities to explore, too. Whether that be yoga overlooking the ocean on Saturday mornings, dancing at their hidden bar Lola’s in evening or simply lounging by their ocean view pool. The restaurant food is particularly spectacular, with owner Diego Calvo claiming that they have the best carbonara on the island. In all its charm, Mongibello is undoubtedly one of the best stays in Ibiza.
Filmmaker. Explorer. Storyteller. If anyone knows how to collect stamps on a passport and leave an impression wherever she goes, it’s Marcia Kimpton. The award-winning filmmaker, author, and creative force behind ‘An American in Amsterdam,’ out May 1st, and the upcoming film ‘An American Abroad’ isn’t just passing through life — she’s chronicling it, questioning it, and turning it into art. With more than 40 accolades to her name and a new travel-meets-film app, ‘Kimpton Travels and Films’, she continues to merge cinematic storytelling with the magic of place.
As the daughter of the legendary Bill Kimpton — founder of the Kimpton Hotels — Marcia has always had an eye for style, soul, and wanderlust. But she’s also carved her own path. Her journey, which she candidly explores in her book ‘Escaping the Hollywood Bardo’, is one of resilience, reinvention, and unshakable self-discovery. Her storytelling style? Unfiltered, deeply human, and hungry for meaning.
For Schön!’s first edition of ‘passport,’ our recurring series which explores the cities, restaurants, museums, and travel anecdotes that have left their mark (or stamp), we sit down with Marcia Kimption to chat about the cities that shaped her and how travel can be the first step toward transformation.
Where is your favourite place to travel to and why?
My favourite place to travel to is the country of France. I have visited so many times, I’ve literally lost count. I’ve been to Paris many times, but I’ve also visited Normandy in the northwest, Strasbourg in the east, Bourgogne in the east-central region, Provence in the southeast, the French Alps in Courchevel, and I bought a place in Vence in 2022 overlooking the Côte d’Azur because I love the French Riviera so much. Every time I return to almost any place in France, I feel like I’m having the best food, the best service, in the most beautiful, chic restaurant, whether looking at art on the wall or the gorgeous Mediterranean, surrounded by incredible historical culture. I’m never disappointed with France, except when it comes to driving. Drivers act like they’re in the Grand Prix (which is on my bucket list to experience in Monaco). So, if I can avoid driving in France, I do — it’s the only downside!
Has there been an exceptional experience — an attraction, a delicious dish, a hotel, or something else — that you still can’t stop thinking about?
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France is my dream hotel for elegance, service, food, views, and the epic landscaped grounds. It feels like stepping back into old Hollywood glamour. Everyone in Hollywood — past and present — has stayed at this stunning, historic hotel. Known as the French Riviera Grande Dame, it was originally a writer’s retreat in 1870, renovated and reopened in 1889 for the rich and famous. It was immortalized by F. Scott Fitzgerald in ‘Tender Is the Night’. Having lunch at the Grill, looking at the Île Sainte-Marguerite or Cannes on the Mediterranean while sipping Chablis with grilled artichokes and freshly caught fish, it’s something I dream of repeating.
The other place I must mention is the Gritti Palace in Venice, Italy. Built in 1475 and later the private home of Doge Andrea Gritti, it became a luxury hotel in 1895. I’ve stayed at the legendary Cipriani and the chic Aman hotel, but nothing compares to sipping an Aperol spritz at the Gritti bar at sunset, watching gondolas drift by. It’s magical.
Travelling is such an eye-opening experience, what have you learned about yourself while exploring new places?
I’ve learned that there are so many wonderful people around the world who want to share their culture, art, music, food, and history. I love learning about new places, but what I love most is discovering just how many good people there are in the world. My advice: turn off the news and travel — it will remind you how beautiful the world can be.
What is one of your favourite travel memories?
It’s hard to pick one favourite memory, but a standout is staying at the Mithra Cave Hotel in Cappadocia while filming An American Abroad. I asked the front desk about filming locations, and the general manager, Emre Toybikik, immediately stepped up and showed us around. Within one day, we were booked to film the stunning hot air balloons, a rock-and-roll off-road jeep tour, and wild horses racing by, all thanks to Emre. My cinematographer, Justin McAleece, captured it all beautifully. We had full access to the hotel for filming and were honoured by the mayor afterward for promoting tourism. None of it was pre-planned due to my limited budget, but thanks to the incredible Cappadocians — and especially Emre — it became one of my greatest travel and filmmaking experiences.
One place you’re dying to visit?
I’ve been dying to visit Croatia for a long time. I just found out today that ‘An American Abroad’ got selected for the Croatian International Film Festival and will be screened on August 11 just outside Split. I’m thrilled!
Your new app, ‘Kimpton Travels and Films’, combines your passion for travel and cinema. What do you hope users will take away from it?
I hope users feel they’re getting great value from my curated movie suggestions. I spend a lot of time finding hidden gems in a world full of bad movies. I also hope the app helps travellers discover unique spots in the countries I’ve explored. I love travel and film — so why not bring them together?
Amsterdam holds a special place in your heart—what is it about the city that keeps drawing you back?
Amsterdam is the city I’ve visited more than any other outside of New York and LA. I loved it so much, I became a resident in under two years. Its canals are stunning — like Venice but different — and my apartment overlooked them in the historic golden age district. The Dutch are open, friendly, and speak perfect English, as do most people there from all over the world. It’s a city rich in art, from museums to cafes and galleries. I even bought two affordable paintings from Dutch artist Marthijn de Groot. But my favourite part? Biking everywhere — the bikes rule the city!
‘An American in Amsterdam’ explores love, loss, and adventure — what inspired this story, and how did your personal experiences shape the film?
The film was inspired by my love for Amsterdam, and I wanted the city to feel like a character in itself. The story reflects my friendships with women and was influenced by the British series ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. My friend Shirley Robinson offered to play a lead role — she’s not an actress but she’s hilarious and a natural. We rewrote the script to be funnier and were filming just six weeks later. We laughed daily and had a blast. Acting is harder than people think, especially comedy, and Shirley nailed it. The only time we improvised was during real street interviews. Although the film was shortened due to the pandemic, I’m proud of how it turned out.
You lived in Amsterdam for two years during COVID. How did that experience influence the film’s narrative and tone?
COVID didn’t influence the tone of the film because we finished filming just before the pandemic. However, it did impact the length — we couldn’t return to complete the planned 80 minutes, so the final version is 55 minutes long.
What were some of the biggest challenges in making this film, particularly as an independent filmmaker?
The biggest challenge is always funding, especially as a woman in independent film. We didn’t have enough money — my credit card stopped working and Shirley even paid for our crew lunch party! I was staying at the Kimpton DeWitt hotel trying to figure out how to pay the bill — despite sharing the name, it wasn’t free! Everyone goes over budget, even Oliver Stone, whose memoir I loved. Despite the stress, we got creative, found ways to make it work, and the kindness of the Dutch people made it possible. My location scout, Diederick de Mann, and casting director, Sandra Rake, believed in the project and helped make it happen. I write about all of this in my memoir, ‘Escaping the Hollywood Bardo,’ to inspire other women to direct.
You’re known for pushing boundaries in storytelling. Were there any risks or unconventional choices you made in An American in Amsterdam?
I always push boundaries, and in this film, the biggest risk was approaching real people on the street without offending them — even though Shirley’s character sometimes teased them. We made sure to only include those who signed release forms and avoided anything exploitative like Borat. Our goal was to make people laugh with us, not at them.
You’ve won over 40 awards for your films. What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers trying to break into the industry?
We’ve won six awards so far for ‘An American in Amsterdam’, and over 40 for ‘Bardo Blues,’ now on Amazon. My advice: don’t be discouraged if you don’t get into big festivals like Sundance or Cannes — keep submitting. Find your unique story and keep refining it until it feels complete. Don’t let a lack of funding stop you. If you never take no for an answer, you’ll find people who believe in your vision. Making a film is incredibly hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding—and I’ll never give up doing it.
