Assouline Travel Books I The Med Style Curated Collection
On a weekend trip to visit friends in the South of France, I made a luxurious new discovery… Assouline Travel Books.
We were meandering in and out of home decor design shops looking for inspiration, when I saw a wall of stunningly beautiful books. They were in vibrant colours, with simple and elegant design, drawing me in with titles like: IBIZA Bohemia, PROVENCE Glory, TUSCANY Marvel, MYKONOS Muse and COMPORTA Bliss…
All of the Mediterranean (and more) in all of its beautiful glory, in one shop. Seducing me in to reminisce, discover, and get lost in the splendour, all from an armchair -
These are not just books, they are works of art.
Aesthetic delights, with artful photographic spreads that reveal the style, culture, and people of each destination. Contributors are modern icons from the world’s of style, design, art, architecture and gastronomy - ranging from celebrities and chefs to artists and writers - with a finger on the pulse of what makes each place especially vibrant. Professional photography brings each destination to life, weaving together current beauty and historic black and white photographs that are used to represent the glamour and notoriety of the past.
Just a glimpse into the text makes you want to peel back the layers into the behind-the-scenes tours of each destination’s signature style and the secrets that lie beneath pristine decor and historical architecture. Each book includes stories of famous people that have stayed in each place, and the notable events that happened there - even secret menus from the world’s most celebrated chefs!
Each book includes pages of exclusive resources for those that love to travel. From beautiful hotels and restaurants to must see landmarks, and so much more.
If you are curious, as I am, to discover what lies at the heart and essence of a destination, or looking to create an inspirational bucket list of dreams; the only dilemma is deciding which book to buy first!
We can feel good about all of that paper too - as the books’ publisher, Assouline, has
partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation committed to reforestation. Assouline has pledged to plant one tree for every book they sell, specifically in regions where they source their paper. The company’s long-term goal is to use the trees planted (once they’ve reached maturity) to produce their books.
The exquisite linen bound, and large, coffee table books, tells you this is not just any travel book. The price tag can be expected, they are not cheap, Rather little pieces of the Med itself, to be enjoyed again and again, anytime, anywhere, without having to step outside your own front door.
This winter I plan to travel from home with reviews of Assouline Travel Books - focused on some of the most coveted Mediterranean travel destinations.
Here is a teaser of what’s to come…from my curation of the “Mediterranean Collection” from Assouline’s Travel Books:
Assouline Travel Books I The Med Style Curated Collection
IBIZA Bohemia (SPAIN)
PROVENCE Glory (FRANCE)
TUSCANY Marvel (ITALY)
MYKONOS Muse (GREECE)
COMPORTA Bliss (PORTUGAL)
Descriptions of the books from Assouline.com
IBIZA Bohemia (SPAIN)
From roaring nightlife to peaceful yoga retreats, Ibiza’s hippie-chic atmosphere is its hallmark. This quintessential Mediterranean hot spot has served as an escape for artists, creatives, and musicians alike for decades. It is a place to reinvent oneself, to walk the fine line between civilization and wilderness, and to discover bliss. Ibiza Bohemia explores the island’s scenic Balearic cliffs, its legendary cast of characters, and the archetypal interiors that define its signature style.
PROVENCE Glory (FRANCE)
From cities to quaint towns and everything in between, Provence has something for everyone. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Calanque de Sormiou in Marseille. Drive with the top down through fields of lavender in Valensole. Experience a bite of just-out-of-the-oven fougasse, a Provençal classic. Stand in awe of the beautiful, white Camargue horses native to the area. Located in the South of France, Provence is uniquely positioned to be a cultural blend of the Mediterranean. Roman landmarks still prevail from the 1st century AD alongside châteaus from medieval times—a varied legacy brightened by the indigenous mimosas and cypresses. Perhaps since the region is well-known for its ability to inspire,Artists who have praised the unique Provençal light include Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso. Alexandre Dumas and Jean Giono are among the writers who were drawn to write in the shade of the plane trees.
TUSCANY Marvel (ITALY)
The Italian region of Tuscany is a feast for all senses. A creative incubator that has cultivated art and architecture for eras including Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance and modern times. Timeworn churches, once stops on nineteenth-century Grand Tours, stand tall in the towns’ piazzas. Rolling hills of wheat and colorful olive groves, that inspire authentic Tuscan cuisine, are dotted with villas built by the prestigious Medici family. The Tyrrhenian Sea extends off its coast, lapping the shore of Elba, the island where the emperor Napoleon was exiled. Quaint villages, historic towns and bustling cities are scattered across its landscape, which is almost as varied as the communities themselves. From annual horse races at Piazza del Campo, and the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Chianti region to the city of Pisa, an ancient Maritime Republic known for the youthful spirit of its Scuola Normale Superiore and Leaning Tower alike, Tuscany is the place of dreams, where thousands come to relive its history and take in the beauty of a region. In the fashion world, Ferragamo, Gucci and Pucci all have ties to Florence and its endless inspiration. However, what truly defines Tuscany is its timelessness. Masterpieces from centuries past still lure immense crowds. Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence never fails to strike onlookers with awe.
MYKONOS Muse (GREECE)
Located in the Cyclades and surrounded by the blue-green water of the Aegean sits whitewashed, windmill-strewn Mykonos, the island of the winds. This ancient island and those surrounding it, mythologized as the bodies of gods felled by Hercules in the time of antiquity, are older than legend and have played host to countless cultures for more than millennia. At forty-square-miles and boasting a population of only ten-thousand, the ‘Ibiza of Greece’ has become prized for gorgeous architecture, welcoming and open-minded locals, and fantastic beaches. With such names as ‘Paradise’ and ‘Super Paradise,’ the sands of these shores have captured the imaginations and hearts of industry titans, artists, and party-goers alike from all around the globe, marking it as a stable cosmopolitan destination and as a paramount it haven on the jet-set circuit. This book chronicles the culture and society that has defined Mykonos over the past century—from its days as a hideout for such luminaries and elites as Le Corbusier and Antonis Benakis, to its moment as a sanctuary for the gay community,to its predominant party scene—all the while indulging the reader with the ruins and myths hidden there.
COMPORTA Bliss (PORTUGAL)
Sometimes compared to the Saint-Tropez of Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s, Comporta, with its relaxed pace and artistic community, is the ideal destination for those looking to wander off course. It’s the newfound favorite of personalities such as Jacques Grange, Farida Khelfa, François Dumas, the Espírito Santo family, and Madonna, who shares photographs of taking her kids to the beach and horseback riding in the dunes of nearby Carvalhal on weekends. This fishing village boasts swaths of beaches, patchworks of rice paddies, and an ecosystem filled with storks and frogs, all a serene backdrop for the striking homes found there: rustic cabanas and thatched-roof huts reflecting the carefree lifestyle that has become Comporta’s hallmark. This distinctive setting challenges the minds of architects and designers, yielding unique spaces that delightfully blur the line between interior and exterior. Within these pages, the region’s characteristic cobalt blue is reflected from the sky and sea to the walls, shutters, and design pieces that adorn its homes, both picturesque and bold. Discover the beauty and joy of simplicity with Comporta Bliss.
Travel from home with me this winter across the Mediterranean, with my reviews of Assouline Travel Books…
If you can’t wait for my reviews, explore for yourself! -
you can find Assouline travel books on their website: https://eu.assouline.com/
And at Amazon.com - click on the photos of the Mediterranean series above for direct links. Some links are affiliate links, I only promote products that I love!
To get into the vibe of each destination, Assouline also has links to playlists of music dedicated to many of the destinations - free to stream on Spotify.
Coming soon, Assouline is starting a new podcast, The Culture Lounge - launching 20 September 2024.
Planning for my new library of Assouline Travel Books…the Mediterranean Collection...
Jade
Lewon
Med
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