A Study in Southern Hospitality

Hello (HAP)ers!

Who else is marked safe from the blizzard of February 2026?!

I was due to fly to Savannah, GA, on Sunday morning, but as Saturday rolled around and weather forecast models looked increasingly bleak, I switched my Delta flight from LaGuardia for no charge and scooted out of NYC before the travel chaos ensued. Phew! This has been a particularly rough winter for the US Northeast, and as March rolls around with no end to the cold in sight, it’s time to rid ourselves of our Seasonal Depression and escape to some warmer weather.

Where to go?! While the temptation might be towards the southern hemisphere—with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay etc all hanging onto summer this month—or the perpetually palatable Caribbean, you also don’t have to leave the US. The South, where I’m currently writing from, is usually balmy but not humid this time of year, while the beaches of California are fresh, pleasant, and uncrowded (see senior editor Britney Eschelman’s tips for Malibu further down!). March is considered low season in most destinations, and you can typically snag a great deal on flights and hotel stays—even if you book at the last minute. So as soon as the airports resume full operations, leave those down jackets at home and escape the snow.

— Dan Howarth, HAP Weekly Newsletter Editor

The wisps of Spanish moss trailing from processions of giant, gnarled oak trees were enough to sell me on Savannah. The historic Georgian port city exudes charm by the biscuit load and feels like a less buttoned-up Charleston and a more polished New Orleans. I was in town to visit the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for the opening of its annual deFINE Art exhibition program and took the opportunity to properly acquaint myself with this Southern belle. The rescheduled flight I mentioned earlier gave me a full extra day to wander aimlessly—from the lively waterfront of River Street to the picturesque public squares that appear every five blocks downtown. The beautifully preserved architecture, immaculately clean streets, and distinctive Southern spookiness are utterly beguiling, and I was instantly obsessed.

I spent my first two nights at the newly opened Municipal Grand Hotel, housed in a former 1960s bank building where locals have repeatedly told me they once paid their water bills. Thanks to AAmp Studio, it’s now a chic, centrally located address right on the Broughton Street commercial strip. The hotel’s standout feature is the lobby-bar-lounge-restaurant set within a central double-height space that welcomes guests straight off the street. The designers retained the midcentury turquoise tiles and glass balustrades, layering in colorful, contemporary furnishings to create a space that transitions seamlessly from bright daytime brunch to sophisticated cocktail hour. The Southern tapas-style menu is *chef’s kiss*—but be warned, the portions are also Southern-sized. The light-filled guest rooms feature pastel-toned accents, and my king bed was particularly sink-into-able. There’s even a rooftop terrace and small pool, perfect for whiling away a sunny afternoon with a copy of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Next, I moved to Hotel Bardo, a Leading Hotels of the World member that has earned quite the reputation since opening in February 2024. Overlooking the charming Forsyth Park, this red-brick Victorian Romanesque mansion dates to the 19th century and looks entirely at home among Savannah’s grand historic residences. The interiors by Atelier Pond echo some of the Municipal Grand’s sensibilities: rich colors and feminine patterns paired with pale wood and brass accents, along with slightly unusual peach-toned bathrooms that, I’ll admit, aren’t the most flattering. The outdoor spaces, however, are delightfully punchy—a heated pool framed by mint-striped tiles and marshmallow-hued parasols, a large covered bar, and an alfresco lounge set within a bright viridian greenhouse. Bardo’s restaurant, Saint Bibiana, is wonderfully atmospheric, offering both expansive dining areas and intimate private niches for enjoying the Coastal Italian fare. The sweet-spicy ’nduja cavatelli was sensational, and I fully intend to return for the zesty lemon olive oil cake.

Both hotels are excellent choices for design, dining, location, and service. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you prefer downtown midcentury flair or parkside Southern Gothic romance. If you make it to Savannah—and I truly hope you do—pack comfortable walking shoes and come hungry for art, history, and fried chicken. Though having been here for five days now, I, for one, do not need to see another piece of fried chicken anytime soon…

I’m Ruby, HAP’s News Editor. Each week, I highlight the travel, hotel, and lifestyle stories catching our Editor-in-Chief Brandon Berkson’s eye—and what should catch yours too. Have an above-par piece of news? Pitch me at [email protected]

dublon and Nautica Collective are charting a more refined course around Mallorca this June with a floating jazz retreat that feels equal parts Slim Aaron’s fantasy and members-only escape. These intimate live sessions on deck, surrounded by a Mediterranean paradise, will undoubtedly be attended by guests in impeccably cut linen, who prefer their summer with a side of vinyl and salt air.

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection is partnering with one of the Hudson Valley’s most coveted vintage fashion archives to offer private, by-appointment shopping sessions exclusively for resort guests. The collaboration adds a stylish, hyper-local touch to the property’s experiential programming—blending luxury hospitality with rare fashion finds in the heart of upstate New York.

Karl Lagerfeld’s former Paris office has been transformed into an intimate, design-forward getaway. Guests can now sip espresso at the same desk where sketches came to life, sleep surrounded by iconic archives, and experience a backstage glimpse into the world of one of fashion’s greatest icons—minus the deadlines.

Nobu Hospitality’s newest venture is into the Indian Ocean, with plans for a new resort in the Maldives. Expect the brand’s signature blend of sleek minimalism, world-class sushi you’ll think about for months to come, and barefoot luxury—set against a backdrop of overwater villas and dazzling shades of turquoise.

Chanel has arrived in Aspen with a seasonal boutique designed for high-altitude glamour. The polished tweeds, ski-chic accessories, and just the right amount of mountain mood are perfect for a post-slope stroll through town (or a very well-dressed hot toddy).

On is bringing its signature cloud-like sneakers to Bali with a pop-up designed for the wellness-minded traveler. Sunrise runs along jungle trails, curated recovery sessions, and tropical-cool vibes may convince you to never leave your sneakers—or the island.

Sticking to the theme of escaping the coldest New York City winter in over 20 years, I couldn’t help but chuckle while scrolling Instagram—friends bundled like arctic explorers, braving the 15 inches of snow. Not because I don’t remember it. I do. I survived three New York winters that felt like endurance sports. But six months ago, I relocated to Los Angeles and, somehow, unintentionally slipped out of the bluster.

So, while friends back East layered thermals and braced against wind tunnels on Houston Street, I checked into The Surfrider Malibu.

Yes there’s sun, sand, and surf. But Malibu is more than a California cliché. It’s a vibe. A winding PCH drive with the windows down. Hills brushed in green and gold like a Dr. Seuss sketch. Marine layer mornings that make everything feel cinematic.

Perched directly across from its namesake wave break, The Surfrider captures that spirit perfectly. The 1950s roadside motel-turned-20-room retreat is all pale woods, woven textures, and hammocks swaying off private balconies. I spent the afternoon on the rooftop—coffee in hand, ocean in view—watching surfers carve slow arcs into the Pacific.

There’s something surreal about trading subway grates for salt air. Swapping February frost for a chocolate chip cookie and a spicy margarita at golden hour.

Call it luck. Call it timing. But this winter, I didn’t brace for impact—I checked in.

Read the full Malibu hotel shortlist here.