What Armani Really Did for His Hotels

Welcome to this week’s issue of Happenings. Today’s newsletter is especially zeitgeisty. We uncover Giorgio Armani’s hotel empire and how involved he was in it (RIP to a legend), plus Bad Bunny’s unintentional yet wildly successful campaign to get people to Puerto Rico during low season, September travel suggestions, as well as the surprising closure of an indie brand we love and what it means for hospitality. Oh, and some new European rail travel too. Bon voyage, y’all.

Y'all know how much love space, which is why I am rather stoked to tell you that the universe is putting on a rather spectacular show this weekend. The "corn moon" rise, AKA, the September blood moon, will set our skies on fire this Sunday all throughout the Northern Hemisphere. A total lunar eclipse is a global event, but only the night side of Earth can witness it, so just make sure wherever you are is pitch black for prime time viewing. If you are super anal like me and plan everything in advance, precise timings for the lunar spectacular can be found right here.

But wait, it's for a limited time only so grab those credit cards now. Italy is no stranger to a good train. It's got the VSOE, the Dolce Vita and now, The ‘Espresso Siena.’ The temporary service which runs between Rome and Siena runs only throughout the fall and is described as a ‘unique opportunity to slow down, connect deeply with the beauty of the landscape, and savour the most authentic essence of the region.’ They did well on the PR and marketing jargon there, right? Anyway, it all looks rather lovely and I think you should book it. Find out more about the service here.

Upcycling suddenly has a whole new meaning to me. That's right, Central de Abasto, the world's largest market hidden in Mexico City's so-called "trash district", has become the unlikely backbone of its fine-dining revolution, say the fine folk at BBC Travel. While I am currently so bored of fine dining (give me a burger any day) it does have a place here and there and is a fabulous way to see chefs in their element. After all, that's what the 500 dollar per head is for, right? Anyway, the point is, much of what you are eating in Mexico's culinary capital (Mexico City) actually comes from where the locals go and where you snobs wouldn't dream of going. It just goes to show that locality reigns supreme and that you don't need to pay a huge price tag for quality ingredients. Read the deep dive here. - LA

Bored of "back to school" already? Just quit your job and go traveling. Here's where it is best to discover now.

Greece. Why? Fewer crowds, a less intense party scene and temperatures that will not scorch you to death. The islands and Athens are particularly pleasant this time of year. Stay at The Monument Hotel Athens.

Morocco: Why? Don't you just love this part of the world? The colors, the smells, the food, the beaches, the people, the shopping and the glorious hotels...yes, just go. Stay at Izza Marakech.

London: Why? The UK is broke and needs your money. Ha! But on a serious note, my home is fabulous this time of year. Plus there are fewer crowds and less drunken assholes on the streets. Stay at One Hundred Shoreditch.

Sicily: Why? For all you summer babies who refuse to say goodbye to golden hour, Sicily is the place for you. It's still warm and the water won't freeze you to death...almost. Stay at Casa Talia.

Ireland. Why? The winds are less ferocious this time of year and depending on which part of the country you are in, those fall colors will start to get their groove on for your camera rolls. Stay at Adare Manor. - LA

Book tickets to the Open House Festival. Yes, it is that time of year when London starts to open all its fantabulous architectural gems from Downing Street to the capital's medley of Stately Homes. Beyond the headliners there are a few amazing additions to the roster, including the former home of the Civil Aviation Authority (in a block that looks like it is from outer space) and a couple of snazzy aristocratic homes. It's all free and if you need inspo, check out the Open House website here. - LA

Puerto Rico’s so-called “slow season” isn’t looking so slow anymore. San Juan and its environs can thank one of the island’s brightest exports, Bad Bunny, for the buzz. The superstar’s landmark 30-show residency at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico kicked off this summer, and fans from the mainland U.S. are flocking to the island in the thousands like it’s the hottest ticket in the Caribbean—because it is. If you do end up going to San Juan to see Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio a.k.a Bad Bunny in concert, we recommend you stay at Dreamcatcher or Alma San Juan. Read more about Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency and the tourism boom that has come with it here. - BB

NeueHouse, once the buzzy clubhouse for the city’s creative class, is shutting its doors for good. The members-only hub announced that all locations will close permanently, with the last day marked for Friday, September 5. Ownership cited “legacy liabilities” as the reason, though many in the industry point to something less mysterious: a pre-pandemic business model that couldn’t keep pace with today’s shifting work and lifestyle habits. If WeWork and Knotel taught us anything, it’s that even the glossiest brands aren’t immune to the turbulence of the co-working world.

But NeueHouse was never just about desks and Wi-Fi. Tucked inside landmark buildings and outfitted with moody interiors, it felt more like a cultural salon than an office. Programming and events lured the fashion, art, and media crowd, cementing its status as a go-to scene. For many, it was a coveted “third place,” a hybrid of workspace, social club, and idea factory. Now, with its closure, the creative set loses not just a place to plug in, but a community hub that embodied the allure, and fragility, of the premium co-working dream. - KM

The fashion world is mourning Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who defined the modern power suit. But Armani’s influence stretched far beyond the runway, leaving its mark on the worlds of design, luxury, and hospitality.

His vision came to life in the Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Hotel Milano, sleek properties created in partnership with Emaar Properties. As with his tailoring, Armani approached these spaces with meticulous precision—every line, texture, and proportion in sync with his brand’s understated glamour. Fashion, comfort, and furnishing weren’t just considered; they were seamlessly aligned to reflect his singular aesthetic.

At the heart of each property is Armani/Casa, the designer’s own furniture line, which transforms the hotels into immersive lifestyle experiences. The result is “Stay with Armani,” a philosophy where guests live enveloped in elegance, surrounded by pared-back luxury and refined details. Think simple lines and perfect proportions created by premium material, divine finishes, and elegant textiles.

Armani proved that style wasn’t just something you wear, it’s a world waiting for you to experience. - KM

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