Wine Country
Fall is Cabernet season in Napa Valley, California. While wine tasting is probably at the top of most travelers’ lists, the temperate climate is also ideal for hiking or biking. Afterwards, relax with a spa treatment at the Bardessono Hotel & Spa. Nestled in the heart of Yountville, Bardessono is Napa’s only LEED-Platinum certified resort. An added bonus—it’s within walking distance to the celebrated Michelin three-star restaurant the French Laundry.
Made in the Shade
Madewell’s wide-brimmed straw hat keeps the sun off your face, and you can adjust the hat’s chin strap to fend off flyaways. Offered in a small/medium or medium/large size, $54, Westport.
Totable Feast
Stash a bottle of wine and some edible provisions in this Sojourn picnic basket. Designed by California
design studio Lawson-Fenning for CB2, the woven rattan basket is outfitted with four melamine cups, bowls and plates, and the lid does double duty as a serving tray. $248, available exclusively through CB2.
Museum Worthy
A coated canvas backpack wears William Morris’ Eyebright pattern from the Met Collection. The fashionable carryall is big enough to stash your daily travel necessities. $98.
New England Getaway
Avoid the airports and take a short ride for a country respite. The Mayflower Inn & Spa is located in the idyllic town of Washington, CT. Set on 58 bucolic acres, the hideaway includes 35 guest rooms, a 20,000-square-foot spa sanctuary and a variety of dining venues led by exclaimed chef Courtney Burns. The hotel underwent a redesign in 2020 with a dramatic transformation by designer Celerie Kemble.
Beauty Sleep
Sleep well, wherever your head lands, with the Eloise eye mask from Aerin. Featuring Colefax and Fowler’s hydrangea floral in soft hues and luxurious silk, the comforting mask includes a matching travel bag. $120.
On the Move
In a choice of five designs, the House of Nomad Travel Blanket rolls up easily and is secured with leather straps for easy transport to the beach or a picnic. Made from recycled materials, the blanket is handwoven by artisans in Central Mexico. $86.
Travel Size
Pack your essential lotions, serums, shampoos and medicines in Cadence’s leakproof, air-tight modular containers. TSA compliant, each refillable capsule holds .56 ounces. Made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, the tiles are magnetic and can be labeled to keep your personal products organized. Bundle of six Cadence capsules, $76.
Arrive in Style
The Versailles travel set from Jonathan Adler includes a passport cover and luggage tag. Featuring a bold blue pattern, the set is made from luxe vegan leather embellished with gold foil accents. $30.
Stowaway Scents
Fairfield-based perfumery Summer Hours creates artisan scents made from natural ingredients in a convenient carry-on size. The four fresh fragrances—80°, Le Weekend, Romanesque and New Wave—include notes of citrus, bergamot, coconut and honeysuckle. $60, available through the Beehive, Fairfield.
Travel Companion
Stay connected from anywhere in the world. The Cali computer sleeve from Eleish van Breems is made from lush leather in five colors: bright blue, chartreuse, black, teal and gray. $135, Westport.
Natural Habitat
The andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge in Tanzania sits on a remote corner of the Serengeti with excellent views of the yearly great migration of wildebeest and local lion prides. Reopened in June, the lodge’s mission of “touching the earth lightly” is evident in its environmentally sensitive redesign. Lodge structures mimic the nomadic Maasai manyattas and each guest suite includes a spacious deck and a private plunge pool.
Get Packing
Sized to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, the Bigger Carry-On suitcase by Away is pretty and practical. The Rose Gold aluminum hard shell sports 360-degree spinner wheels for a smooth ride and an interior compression system for effortless packing. Available in-store, NYC, or online, $645.
Rough & Ready
The Fjällräven Kånken water-resistant backpack can weather light rain, dirt, and plenty of wear and tear. Designed for comfort, the pack is constructed of lightweight Vinylon fabric with adjustable canvas straps. Stash a camera or cell phone in the front zip or flat side pockets to capture the amazing sights. $80, available through REI, Norwalk.
Street Smarts
Safely store credit cards in a Royce wallet equipped with RFID blocking technology. The wallet accommodates a passport and includes a clear plastic interior window to display a vaccine card. Handcrafted in leather, it is offered in seven stylish shades. $95, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich.
Nap Time
MoMA curates some of the best travel products. The Ostrichpillow Go Travel Pillow is a winner with its high-sensitivity memory foam core that wraps comfortably around any size neck and flattens for easy packing. The stretch-fabric cover is removable and washable. $60.
Journey On
Plan and document your trips with the New Horizons travel journal from Papier. Before you go, fill in the itinerary, budget and packing list. As you travel, record your memories with ample pages for jotting down highlights and scrapbooking. $35.
This article appears in the September 2022 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) with the headline: Out of the Box.