secret service | bodrum loft

Louis Vuitton.

Marc Newson’s most famous design is a chair. The Lockheed Lounge, to be exact, made in 1986 which bent aluminium into a curving, futuristic form so prescient that it became the most expensive functional design object ever sold by a living creator, auctioning for around $3.2 million in 2015. Thirty years on, his newest aluminium invention is considerably more portable, and considerably more practical. Newson has created the world’s first rivet-free aluminium suitcase for Louis Vuitton.

The ‘Horizon Aluminum’ marks ten years of one of luxury’s more productive design partnerships. Of everything Newson has created, from the Apple Watch to the first electric Ferrari to the twisting staircase in Karl Lagerfeld’s home, his work with Louis Vuitton has perhaps been the most sustained exercise in translating industrial design language into the vocabulary of travel. The original Horizon launched in 2016, built around the same rounded curves and clean silhouette that define Newson’s broader body of work. The aluminium version takes a decade’s worth of thinking and applies it to a material the house has a longer history with than most people realise. Louis Vuitton was making aluminium trunks for explorers in the late 19th century. Newson is the latest chapter in that particular story.

Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton.

The engineering involved in making the Horizon Aluminum look as uncluttered as it does is, by the house’s own admission, considerably more demanding than the finished object suggests. The shell is shaped through a stamping and laser-cutting process that preserves the Horizon’s signature rounded curves while working in a material that does not naturally want to hold them. The Monogram motif embossed across the surface is not ornamental: it helps strengthen the shell by spreading stress evenly across the surface, turning one of the house’s oldest visual codes into a structural solution. The absence of rivets, which would ordinarily be the standard method of holding an aluminium shell together, required developing an ultra-thin frame system attached to the shell instead. A single-piece, full-depth three-dimensional mould with no folding or riveting is a first in luggage design.

The hinges presented a separate problem. Traditional external hinges were replaced by concealed internal mechanisms, integrated into the interior without taking up additional space. The telescopic handle is wider than standard, the wheels are enlarged and made from a material designed to absorb shocks and run without noise, and the interior lining is thermoformed to create a completely flat main compartment, maximising capacity in a way that most hard-shell luggage does not manage.

Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton.

VVN or black leather covers the corners and handles, one of the few places on the case where the material softens. A leather luggage tag doubles as a bag hook, meanwhile a protective cover with openings for the wheels, top handle and trolley protects the case during storage. The companion Vanity Case follows the same design logic throughout: aluminium embossed with the Monogram, no rivets, an ultra-slim frame, concealed hinges and an ultra-slim TSA combination lock.

Aluminium dents, but Louis Vuitton has thought about this and framed it accordingly: the case is built to bear its marks as souvenirs rather than damage, which is either a very elegant piece of positioning or a genuinely useful way to think about a material that will, inevitably, show the evidence of wherever it has been. Given that the original Louis Vuitton trunks were designed for people crossing continents and oceans, a few airport scuffs seem relatively manageable.

The ‘Horizon Aluminum’ is available from June 12. Discover more here.

photography. courtesy of Louis Vuitton
words. Gennaro Costanzo

The Ritual Space, Georg Roske.

There are only a few hospitality brands that have become destinations in their own right, and Scorpios is one of them. Since opening on a windswept peninsula in Mykonos in 2015, the concept created by Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel has grown from a beach club into a cultural phenomenon. What began as an antidote to the island’s excesses – replacing all-night partying with long lunches, sunset rituals and community-driven gatherings – has steadily influenced hospitality across the Mediterranean. But while Mykonos remains its spiritual home, it is in Bodrum where the concept feels most complete.

Perched along Turkey’s north coast overlooking the Aegean, Scorpios Bodrum unfolds across a dramatic hillside above the sea. The first impression is one of scale: stone pathways weave through olive trees and native planting, while fun buggy rides shuttle guests between different corners of the sprawling property. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable detail that quickly becomes part of the experience, transforming simple journeys into miniature adventures across the jaw-dropping landscape.

Extraordinary views stretch across the water towards distant islands, while wooden decks and terraces seem to emerge directly from the rugged coastline. Unlike many luxury resorts competing for attention along the Turkish Riviera, Scorpios doesn’t rely on overt loudness. The suggestive architecture sits comfortably within its surroundings, allowing nature to do much of the talking and bring life to the geometric shapes of the structures.

The Beach House, Georg Roske.

The Beach House, Georg Roske.

Days naturally revolve around the Beach House, where a slower rhythm takes hold. Guests move between the sea, soft sunbeds and the restaurant space, often lingering for far longer than intended. Short boat excursions depart directly from the property, offering another perspective on the coastline and reinforcing the sense of escape that defines the experience.

Food plays a central role throughout – why wouldn’t it? The Beach House menu leans into Scorpios’ signature Eastern Mediterranean approach to communal dining, where long, leisurely lunches unfold over vibrant seasonal dishes, grilled seafood and an abundance of mezze. Crispy sourdough arrives with tahini, while plates such as whipped feta with yoghurt, honey and truffle dressing, baked feta with fermented honey and grilled grapes, and cherry tomato salad with Turkish goat’s cheese showcase the kitchen’s skill for elevating simple ingredients. Freshly grilled fish and seafood feature heavily too, from calamari à la plancha and sea bass ceviche to lobster orzo cooked in a saffron bisque. For vegetarians, the standout was the zucchini linguine Alfredo. Finished with fresh mint, lemon zest, crumbled feta and crisp breadcrumbs, it was a deceptively simple dish that captured exactly what summer dining should feel like: bright, fresh and deeply satisfying without ever feeling heavy.

The Ritual Space, Georg Roske.

What separates Bodrum from many coastal destinations, however, is the emphasis on wellbeing. At the heart of the property sits the Ritual Space, a striking 1,300-square-metre structure designed around movement, reflection and connection. During the visit, guests can take part in several breathwork sessions led by practitioner Rodhø (Rodolfo Escalante), founder of Alchemy Rewire, whose approach combines pranayama techniques with CO₂ training and guided nervous system regulation.

Participants moved through breath holds, activation exercises and periods of stillness designed to create greater awareness of physical and mental states. In collaboration with neurotechnology company Mulabs, some experiences even incorporate real-time brainwave monitoring, allowing guests to observe how their nervous system responds throughout the practice.

The programme continues throughout the summer with a series of dedicated retreats and immersive experiences. Highlights include the Neuro-Alchemy Retreat (17–19 July), a three-day exploration of nervous system optimisation that combines neuroscience, brain mapping, meditation, breathwork and holistic healing practices. Earlier in the season, Immersive Wellbeing Days on 20 and 27 June bring together breathwork, strength training and recovery techniques led by David Boot, incorporating cold exposure, contrast therapy and movement-based rituals designed to build both physical and mental resilience.

Access to the Ritual Space and wellbeing programme is available through several tiers, ranging from day passes and weekly access to the Agora Pass membership, which offers monthly or seasonal access for guests seeking a deeper connection to the Scorpios community.

The Ritual Space, Georg Roske.

The Restaurant, Georg Roske.

The contrast between the Ritual Space and the energy of the terrace is part of what makes Scorpios compelling. One moment you’re immersed in deep breathwork beneath concrete walls illuminated by shifting natural light. A few hours later, you’re watching the sunset with hundreds of people gathered for one of the venue’s celebrated music rituals.

Music remains fundamental to the Scorpios identity. This season’s programme includes names such as Adriatique, Dixon, Damian Lazarus, Bedouin, WhoMadeWho, and Gordo, with performances carrying late into the evening as the sun disappears behind the Bodrum coastline.

As Bodrum continues to evolve into one of the Mediterranean’s most compelling destinations, Scorpios offers a different way to experience it. Less concerned with being seen and more interested in how people feel once they’re there. 

The Restaurant, Georg Roske.

Discover more here.

photography. courtesy of Georg Roske
words. Gennaro Costanzo

Front Desk at Viceroy Santa Monica

The warm summer sun, lapping waves and ocean breeze are what make Santa Monica such a beloved part of California – and at Viceroy Santa Monica, guests are invited to slow down and soak up the famed natural beauty of the coast. Ocean-view guestrooms, wellness experiences and a relaxed atmosphere make it easy to unwind and settle into an unhurried lifestyle, whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway or an extended visit.

Located at the western endpoint of Route 66, Viceroy Santa Monica sits just steps from both the ocean and the city – allowing guests to relax to the sound of the waves while also immersing themselves in Santa Monica’s vibrant cultural landscape. The hotel encourages visitors to explore the best the area has to offer, from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and Main Street to hands-on cooking and baking classes at the nearby Gourmandise School.

Palm Patio at Viceroy Santa Monica

For those looking to make the most of the Californian outdoors, the hotel offers a range of experiences including morning yoga on the beach, surf and skate lessons and scenic bike rides along the coast. Through its partnership with Rapha, Viceroy has also curated cycling routes that allow guests to explore Santa Monica, Venice and the surrounding hills at their own pace. Meanwhile, weekend poolside DJ sessions and interactive mocktail and cocktail-making classes offer a more social way to spend the day.

Royal Suite at Viceroy Santa Monica

While the hotel first opened in 2000, Viceroy Santa Monica recently underwent an impressive renovation by award-winning design studio EDG, revitalising its West Coast roots. Natural textures, a sun-washed palette and mid-century modern influences work together to create interiors that feel both laid-back and sophisticated. From the moment you step inside, the hotel evokes the feeling of a second home. Warm wood panelling, mustard-yellow furnishings and carefully curated abstract art strike a balance between cosy comfort and airy spaciousness. The hotel’s 169 guestrooms and suites continue this residential-inspired design approach, combining a calming colour palette, soft furnishings and thoughtful artwork to create spaces that feel both inviting and restorative.

As part of the renovation, EDG repurposed original furnishings and décor, collaborating with Los Angeles-based artists Erin Miller Wray, Kelcey Fisher, Priscilla Witte, Evelyn Leigh and Spencer Mar Guilburt on large-scale murals and augmented-reality installations that transformed recycled materials into striking works of art.

Sugar Palm Lounge Viceroy Santa Monica

Dining at Viceroy Santa Monica is equally intentional. Sugar Palm, the hotel’s signature dining destination, is known for its lively atmosphere and globally inspired cuisine led by Executive Chef Johnny Marin. Whether stopping by for brunch, dinner or cocktails, guests can expect menus that spotlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients paired with sustainable cooking techniques. The space itself is just as appealing, with an indoor lounge and wraparound bar that open onto an outdoor patio and private cabanas, allowing diners to enjoy their meal either indoors or beneath the palms.

Peruvian Scallop Dish Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica is more than just a hotel – it’s a destination in its own right. Committed to modern luxury and vibe-led hospitality, the hotel guarantees a stay that is both relaxing and revitalising. The Viceroy brand promise, “Remember to Live,” is reflected throughout its design, activities and guest experiences, creating memorable moments that linger long after check-out.

Learn more about Viceroy Santa Monica here.

photography. Courtesy of Viceroy
words. Amber Louise