#LeMillRecommends: Team’s Dream Destinations
Looking for the best places to travel towards the end of the year? At Le Mill, we are too—and constantly at that. Yet, in an age of both social media saturation and over-tourism, the prerogative to do so in an “in-the-know” way feels imperative. From first-time trips to long-time loves and bucket-list destinations, these are the vacations our team dreams of right now, making for the perfect end-of-the-year trip.
Franschhoek, South Africa – Sana Achrekar, Assistant Store Manager
“While I enjoy my share of holidays to bask in the best of the weather and culture, I’ve really been tempted by Franschhoek’s quiet living that boasts a certain healing. And honestly? It’s a much-needed break just before the party season starts,” says, Sana.
Stay at: Sterrekopje Healing Farm
Sterrekopje Healing Farm
Rather than a farm stay or spa, think of Sterrekopje Healing Farm as a soft landing for the soul, providing the natural beauty to absorb whatever you need to discard or embrace. In place of punitive regimes, the only ask is to honour sleep, to give yourself permission to unplug—deep, restorative rest is seen as the foundation for all healing to take place. Once on the farm, it’s hard to imagine that the buzz of Franschhoek is less than ten minutes away by car. Not that it’s necessary to skip to the village to savour the valley’s sybaritic pleasures—wine, coffee, and dessert are all on the menu at Sterrekopje if you want it.
Yaukuve Levu Island, Fiji – Hitesh Rathod, Creative Director
“One of my favourite holiday destinations, the tropical archipelago of Fiji boasts white sand beaches fringed by coral reefs, rainforested mountains with cascading waterfalls, and incredibly warm, welcoming locals who’ll greet you with a resounding ‘Bula!’ (Hello!) and introduce you to the famous concept of Fiji Time – an ultra-relaxed approach to life that renders clocks largely meaningless (heaven for me),” says, Hitesh.
Stay at: Kokomo Private Island Resort
Kokomo Private Island Resort
The epitome of privacy, luxury and space, each of their twenty-one exclusive villas includes its own tropical walled garden, ocean view, direct beach access and a private infinity pool to spill all the tea. A refined and fresh take on Pacific design, each villa boasts a unique marriage of contemporary design practices and traditional Fijian nuances, alongside elegant stonework, and artwork by renowned artist Chris Kenyon.
Ehrwald, Austria – Shilpa Sharma, Senior Stylist
“I finally ticked Austria off my travel bucket list earlier this year and was blown away at the outstanding natural beauty of the Central Alps. But it’s not just skiing you should venture to this magical wonderland for. You can find winter sports in abundance, and in the summer, plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and twirling round meadows à la Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music,” says, Shilpa.
Stay at: Eriro Alpine Hide
Eriro
You arrive at Eriro by cable car, meaning your first impression of the surrounding landscape is a serene glide over waterfalls and pine forests into the mountains. Your luggage is delivered directly to your room, allowing you to walk the final short, scenic route through Alpine meadows up to the timber property unencumbered. How to make the most of your stay? Get outside. Depending on the season, Eriro offers a range of guided (or not) experiences including barefoot hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, climbing and more (the property can set you up with all the equipment you need).
Taormina, Italy – Tejashree Naidu, Senior Stylist
“Taormina, on Sicily’s east coast, is one of Italy’s most sought-after summertime resort towns. But for me? After visiting with a friend in the winter I’ve realised off-season Italy is where it’s at! Taormina is incredible during November, December, and January. Bars, restaurants, and ateliers are still open, but with fewer tourists making it the perfect time to soak up Sicily like a local.” Says, Tejashree.
Stay at: San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
Perched on a rocky promontory high above the Ionian Sea, the iconic luxury hotel in Taormina, San Domenico Palace, welcomes you to a 14th-century Sicilian convent reimagined. Stroll in magnificent Italian gardens, soak in the history, savour Michelin-starred dining and escape into a world of timeless beauty.
Angra dos Reis, Brazil – Savvio D’souza, Junior Stylist
“Imagine yourself surrounded by a turquoise sea, where 365 islands, each more enchanting than the last, form a breathtaking setting. This is the backdrop of Angra dos Reis, a true tropical paradise in Brazil. Perfect to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s cold winters (which I’m always looking to get away from),” says, Savvio.
Stay at: Hotel Fasano
Hotel Fasano
The three-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro takes you through verdant hills and down a winding coastline to a private enclave of modernist villas. At the heart of the secluded complex sits the hotel, an architectural marvel. The resort is its own self-contained universe. You won't want to leave the property with all the experiences that have been carefully designed to provide unforgettable leisure moments, from relaxation activities to aquatic adventures in the crystal-clear waters of Costa Verde, to gastronomic tastings featuring the freshest seafood ingredients.
Kyoto, Japan– Komal Rathod, Junior Stylist
“Japan has been at the top of my bucket list for ages – it’s one of the places you always hear people returning from utterly captivated and already desperate to go back. While Tokyo will remain my base for the trip I’m most excited to soak up the history of Kyoto,” says, Komal.
Stay at: The Hoshinoya
The Hoshinoya
The Hoshinoya, Kyoto, a hybrid ryokan-hotel, is made up of a series of low buildings inspired by traditional Japanese houses that cling to the banks above the Hozugawa River in the temple-rich Arashiyama district and is accessible only by a lazy boat ride in a hinoki (Japanese cedar) vessel. Hoshinoya is a retreat not only from town but from modernity. At night, after you’ve eaten an excellent Japanese or French meal and changed into the provided lounging clothes (complete with raw-silk robes), you can sit in the Zen rock garden, look up at the star-smeared sky, and forget what century you’re in.
