Travel and restaurants
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…and relax
There’s no need to rush your Sabado in Madrid – potter around the apartment, tuck into ‘El País’, and then take to the streets for a market trawl and some antique book buying.
Monocle travel guide
With our ear constantly to the ground, Monocle introduces concept hotels in Spain and Japan, tailor-made trips to Portugal’s secret beaches, and other small businesses gaining popularity within their local communities.
Africa/Middle East
Iraq lures tourists with romantic nights in Saddam Hussein’s palace. Elsewhere, Lebanon restores a Jewish landmark and Botswana’s presidential elections get under way (though the job is likely in the bag).
Monocle travel guide
We at Monocle like simple things done well. This month we focus on the essentials: a perfectly brewed coffee, sharply curated retail, and two blissful hotels with unique local character.
Basque in the sun
On the French Atlantic coast, shun the beach in favour of a tree-lined avenue and a delightful covered market, perfect for that most Gallic of pastimes: people-watching.
Secret treasures
These outposts may not score highly on the Monocle city metrics – they’re not very well connected for starters. But they all offer a quality of life we would recommend.
Observation
An alluring first impression or a tempting parting glance? For Tyler Brûlé it was the latter, sparking dreams of relocating Monocle to Berlin and finding a perfect summer retreat in the German capital.
Short story
Urban beach clubs call for clothing that doesn’t sacrifice elegance. Opt for neatly tailored swimming shorts that can be worn for a stroll round town once you’ve dried off – or to the bar.
50 things to improve your life
Our 2009 global round-up of the people, pursuits, places and pets to improve the way you live, work, rest, commute and communicate.
Travel
Here comes summer: Monocle's hotel recommendations for beach and city, plus our new 25/25 booklet, the ultimate villa hire company and new places to stay in South Africa and Mexico.
