Destination Summer

While this lovely fishing village has managed to preserve its old-school charm, there is always something new to entertain the international jetset that refuses to find a better destination for its summer shenanigans. Yes, the young Russians will keep on poppin’ shampanskoye at Nikki Beach and the bejeweled yacht owners will continue to devour le loup grillé at Club 55, but, this year, buzz about Saint-Tropez is hovering over Micasa, the new sushi bar by owned by Regis Rombi, formerly of Inside. Located across from Papagayo, one of Saint-Tropez’s notorious nightclubs, Micasa is bound to become a required stop for all kinds of night creatures. For your lodging needs, turn to the Muse Hôtel de Luxe, the new address for luxury hospitality set to open in June.

Making sense of the labyrinth of local shops stuffed to the max with summer’s fashions is so 2009. This summer is all about customized attention. Noemie K (011.33.6.20.65.15.01), a renowned personal shopper and stylist to European celebrities, will help you navigate the treacherous waters of boutique hopping and price negotiating. This year, her heart is set on vintage treasures to be found in the newly opened Blanc Bleu located on Place des Lices (not to be confused with a boutique by the same name on Quai Jean Jaurès). Leave it to Noemie to negotiate the best price for that vintage croc Birkin you’ve been eyeing.

Although Saint-Tropez is not known for three-Michelin-star-quality dining, Auberge de l’Oumède is as close to culinary perfection as you will get. Known for garnering religious-like devotion from French foodies (yet largely unknown to the foreigners), this iconic restaurant continues to draw huge crowds of worshipers, despite a hefty price tag. For a less ostentatious showing of the best regional cooking and a tarte au citron meringuée that rivals those made by the greatest French bakers, check out Le Mignon, a meager waterfront shack by the otherwise extravagant standards of the area. Le Mignon has been around for as long as Brigitte Bardot, but because of its hidden location, this favorite among locals is the most un-touristy destination in Saint-Tropez. To find this gem, follow Plage de Pampelonne to the very end of Ramatuelle. Just don’t tell the owners we sent you; they are not big on out-of-towners.

Hamptons

No hot spot does the restaurant/club shuffle quite like the Hamptons. And this year it goes something like this: while East Hampton’s Lily Pond remains under Satsky/Gefter/Unik’s command (think lanky, young, hot things perched on the banquettes, head bopping to the hottest DJs around), virtually nothing else remains as we left off last Labor Day weekend.  Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, owners of Abe & Arthur’s and SL, are taking over Saturday nights at Georgica in East Hampton. Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, owners of Marquee and Avenue, will be running Dune in Southampton and are also in talks to open a restaurant/lounge elsewhere in the town. The Von Broock brothers have taken back the Tavern, much to the relief of their followers. Boathouse, formerly known as Bostwick’s in East Hampton, will be run by Matt Levine, owner of The Eldridge. And arguably the most anticipated openings of the season will come courtesy of Serafina, when it sets up shop in the restaurant formerly known as Matto in East Hampton, and Navy Beach in Montauk, run by the team responsible for Sushi Samba, Nick & Toni’s, and Asia de Cuba.

In retail news, Juicy Couture, Balenciaga, and Asprey are taking up residences on the East End. For how long, it remains to be seen. Sag Harbor is the new location for Marie Eiffel’s latest boutique, which showcases her own resort collection as well as a unique mélange of hard-to-find labels.

If renting a summerhouse is not in your cards this year, consider Montauk, home to Sole East, a chilled out hotel with Miami-style pool action and a restaurant that is a favorite with the en vogue crowd (adding to the hotel’s fashion cred, TOMS Shoes’ outpost is located in one of its suites). Finally, Sean MacPherson, from Jane Hotel and Waverly Inn, purchased Crow’s Inn and plans on renovating for next season. For now, he is keeping it “as is.”

The notable events of the season—Bridgehampton Polo, Love Heals at Luna Farm, Super Saturday, Hamptons Magazine Clambake, Watermill Center Summer Benefit, and The Hamptons Classic—have not changed, but what is different is the amount of camera crews filming in the area. High Society is joining the ranks of Beach Lane, The Real Housewives of New York, and Royal Pains, all shooting on the East End this summer.

Ibiza

It’s hard not to fall in love with this little, multifaceted island that is as beloved by the party-goers for its non-stop dancing as it is by soulful travelers who find endless inspiration in the peaceful landscape.

As the debate over which Ibiza beach is the best continues (our vote goes to Cala Bassa) everyone agrees that the newly added garden restaurant in Aura Bar, located in the north of the island, will remain a strong favorite with the locals and the international set. (Jade Jagger and Sienna Miller are among legit devotees.) Opened in May, Novum Restaurant and Lounge hopes to give Aura a run for its money as the hip and the beautiful’s place of choice. Same for Giri Residence, a hotel/spa with a picture-perfect design flare, unlike what we have learned to expect from the modern/ethnic aesthetics ever so popular in the region. In addition, Giri offers the island’s most intimate spa experience, with the entire facility available for private booking. Looking Ibiza-esque (i.e. hippie dresses paired with washed-out leather shoes and a heavy emphasis on jewelry) has never been easier, thanks to the revamped IBZCODE, located in Old Town’s Calle de la Cruz.

Finally, don’t leave the region without stopping by neighboring Formentera, a 30-minute boat ride from the Port of Ibiza. The place to stay the night is Las Banderas, a complex of five simple, pink bungalows. This ultimate boho retreat is somewhat of a secret, as there is no website, and incoming phone calls are largely ignored. For the most memorable paella de langosta, book a table at Restaurante Juan y Andrea, the eatery of choice of the glitzy Riva/Wally crowd.

Montenegro

Wherever Aman goes, the fabulous follow. Although the little country of Montenegro, perched up on the rugged mountains of the Adriatic coastline, may not be a household name, most are familiar with the luxury that is synonymous with Amanresorts. Aman Sveti Stefan’s Villa Miločer is the first-of-its-kind resort in the area, and it plans to expand by developing a collection of dining, entertainment, and wellness venues on the surrounding peninsula. Alternatively, Palazzo Radomiri, a boutique hotel located in Dobrota on the Boka Kotorska coast, offers an eclectic mix of modern and baroque styles at a reasonable rate. For entertainment seekers, check out the Maestral Resort & Casino, a particular favorite with Italian gamblers, and Diskoteka Maximus in Kotor, the Adriatic version of Club Pacha, where the frequent visiting DJ is none other than David Guetta.