July 2017 Hideaway Report

FROM THE EDITOR: Despite the curse of terrorism that has recently afflicted both Paris and Nice, rural France remains as profoundly tranquil as ever. On a recent 10-day trip to the exquisite Dordogne and Lot valleys, east of Bordeaux, I discovered two wonderful new hideaways. Also in this issue, I report on stays at two properties in Mexico City and Panama City. Read more from our editor-in-chief ...

Articles

Contrasting Boutique Hotels in Mexico City

Mexico City remains a fascinating metropolis. Las Alcobas is a nice hotel from which to explore the tree-lined avenues, verdant parks and fine museums.

A Road Trip Through the Dordogne

The cinematic beauty of the Dordogne seems almost too perfect to be real. Wineries, chateaux and cave paintings are a few of the region's highlights.

A French Château's Surreal Clifftop Garden

One of the most splendid gardens in France, at Chateau de Marqueyssac, uses 150,000 century-old boxwoods to create a surreal landscape.

A Dordogne Distillery Where Spirits Are Made by Hand

Distillerie Louis Roque still produces its spirits by hand. We sampled sweet vermouth-like aperitifs, plum brandies and walnut liqueurs.

Bookshelf: Dordogne's Neanderthal History

Author Beebe Bahrami offers an excellent introduction to Dordogne's Neanderthal history in her new book "Cafe Neandertal."

Notable Dordogne Wineries

Vintners in the Dordogne have rededicated themselves to quality in recent years, producing world-class wines worthy of far more attention than they receive.

Lascaux and the Cave Drawings of France

One of the great treasures of southwestern France is its collection of caves decorated with prehistoric paintings and etchings.

Romantic Castles of the Dordogne

Medieval chateaux positively litter the landscape in the Dordogne. We toured three: Chateau de Beynac, Maison Forte de Reignac and Chateau de Bonaguil.

The Canals of Xochimilco

One Mr. Harper's most pleasant memories of his trip to Mexico City was an afternoon spent exploring the canals of Xochimilco on a 30-foot-long trajinera.

Mexico City Restaurant Discoveries

There is no shortage of appealing restaurants in the buzzing Polanco district of Mexico City. Here are the three I most enjoyed.

Shopping and Strolling Through San Angel in Mexico City

The flourishing San Angel neighborhood in Mexico City, located southwest of downtown, is a charming colonial area perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Bosque de Chapultepec: The Lungs of Mexico City

The largest urban park in Latin America, Bosque de Chapultepec offers nine museums, a presidential palace, restaurants and more amid 1,695 acres.

Panama City Hotel Discoveries

Panama City is evolving into a colorful destination, with activities and attractions worthy of a three- to four-night stay.

Panama City Restaurant Discovery

On this trip to Panama City, we discovered the excellent Madrigal, a Spanish-Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Andrés Madrigal.

Highlights of Historic Casco Viejo

The historic quarter of Casco Viejo features restored colonial buildings converted into high-end stores and galleries, restaurants and boutique hotels.

Frank Gehry’s Biomuseo

With more than 44,000 square feet of space, Panama's Biomuseo has eight display rooms for exhibitions related to technology, science and art.

New Plans for Belmond's Cap Juluca

Harper favorite Cap Juluca, on the southern tip of Anguilla, will get an expansion at the end of the season, which will bring the accommodations to 121.

Singita Upgrades

Two Singita properties, Singita Sweni Lodge in Kruger National Park and Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania, get notable upgrades.

Positano Comes to Miami

Owners of the Michelin-starred restaurant at Le Sirenuse in Positano will open an American branch, Le Sirenuse Miami, at the newly redesigned Surf Club.

Last Word: One&Only Debuts Its First Nature Resort, in Rwanda

In October, One&Only will debut Nyungwe House in Rwanda, where guests can get immersive once-in-a-lifetime experiences as part of its Nature Resorts group.

Letter From the Editor: July 2017

A 10-day trip to the exquisite Dordogne valley uncovered two new hideaways. This issue also features Mexico City and Panama City.

Newly Recommended Hotels in Panama City and Mexico City

The July Hideaway Report follows Mr. Harper's travels to Panama City and Mexico City. He discovered two new luxury hotels to recommend.

Newly Recommended Hotels in the Dordogne

The July Hideaway Report follows Mr. Harper's travels to the Dordogne. He discovered two new luxury hotels to recommend.