Ariara Island is a tropical hideaway that's an hour's flight from Manila.
Calamian Islands, Philippines – An hour flight from Manila, Ariara Island, right, is a tropical hideaway geared to well-heeled jet setters who value privacy and posh amenities. The lush 160-hectare retreat is outfitted with eight villas and cottages set on a pristine 600-metre-long stretch of sand, a beachside infinity pool and a communal lodge built for dining and entertaining. Rent the entire island – rates start at $19,000 (U.S.) a week. Thirty staff members, including two PADI dive instructors and a spa therapist, will cater to your every whim. A team of chefs whips up Euro-Asian fusion meals from locally sourced ingredients (think seared tuna and arugula salad, spicy pumpkin coconut soup, and banana cashew ice cream). Also on hand is a fleet of six boats so guests can search for deserted islands and hidden lagoons. ariaraisland.com
A MOROCCAN BOLTHOLE
Marrakech - The city's hotel boom continues with the opening of the Great Getaway Medina, a traditional Moroccan riad-cum-bolthole set in the historic Sidi Ben Slimane quarter. Interiors in this fashionable six-room hotel are accented with colourful textiles and custom-made furniture sourced from local artisans. Take in a panoramic sunset view over Koutoubia Mosque and the surrounding Atlas Mountains from the rooftop terrace. And when you're ready to head into the dizzying souk for some shopping, ask owners Christian and Ina Krug to introduce you to one of their guides who can help navigate the winding alleyways of the medina and bargain with market vendors. designhotels.com/the_great_getaway_medina
GREY AREA GROWS ROOTS
New York - After peddling its signature collection of modern art, edgy jewellery and unique clothing through a series of pop-up boutiques and online, Grey Area has set up a permanent shop in SoHo. The airy loft space showcases the work of well-known and up-and-coming artists and designers. Pieces range from $15 to $18,000 (U.S.) and include Abraxas Rex's painted kimonos, handmade hats by Elisabeth Koch (her fascinators have been spotted at Royal Ascot) and the intricate spider-shaped gold, diamond and ruby rings of Rob Wynne. If you're looking for a low-key souvenir, pick up a set of animated note cards by James DeWoody. shopgreyarea.com
WAPPING GREAT SHOW
London - Moving Walls, a cinematic installation by Polish filmmaker, artist, writer and poet Lech Majewski, is on show at power-station-turned-arts-centre the Wapping Project until May 13. Composed of a series of his works which previously were shown at New York's MoMa, the Louvre and the 54th Venice Biennale, Majewski's digital tapestry unfolds on the tiled walls of the Boiler House exhibition space. A highlight is Bruegel Suite, a film that stars Charlotte Rampling, Michael York and Rutger Hauer. Admission is free; open noon to 10:30 p.m. (until 5:30 p.m. on Sundays). thewappingproject.com
Special to The Globe and Mail