When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, few can rival event planner Michelle Rago. With a portfolio that includes high-profile clients — most notably the nuptials of Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz in Palm Beach — she has built a reputation for impeccable taste, creative vision, and flawless execution. For this feature, we asked her to curate 10 dreamy destinations — places so spectacular they’re worthy of a full property buyout for an event, or a luxurious stay if you’re visiting on a more modest budget.
From cliffside retreats in Provence to glamorous hideaways on the Italian Riviera, Michelle shares the spots where every detail, view, and experience feels like it was made just for you.
Le Bastide De Moustiers (Provence, France)
- Where: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, near Gorges du Verdon
- Why Michelle Loves It: Intimate retreat with 13 rooms, understated elegance, and Alain Ducasse’s culinary influence. Evenings under plane trees with Chablis capture Provençal serenity.
- Insider Tips:
- Helicopter arrival from Monaco for cinematic flair.
- Garden table lunch is a must.
- Terrace rooms overlooking Verdon cliffs.
- Explore lavender fields on Valensole Plateau or kayak Gorges du Verdon.
- Best Time to Go: May-June or September-October.
Belmond Cap Juluca (Anguilla, British West Indies)
- Where: Maundays Bay
- Why Michelle Loves It: Quintessential Caribbean beach: soft white sand, turquoise water, and serene Moorish architecture. Perfect for lounging, seaside lunches, and cocktails under umbrellas.
- Insider Tips:
- Guerlain spa blends local and luxury rituals.
- Go fishing with locals or take a sunset sail.
- Ride hotel bicycles along palm-lined paths.
- Tennis courts among the best in the Caribbean.
- Best Time to Go: December-April for dry, breezy beach weather.
Reid’s Place (Madeira, Portugal)
- Where: Cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Why Michelle Loves It: Old-world charm meets Madeira’s natural beauty. Gardens cascade down cliffs, sea-level swimming is unique, and afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking Funchal Bay is timeless. Mild weather makes it ideal year-round.
- Insider Tips:
- Swim off the sea-level platform.
- Afternoon Tea at sunset.
- Dine at Ristorante Villa Cipriani or Michelin-starred William Restaurant.
- Explore Madeira via levada walks.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round; Madeira’s 70s climate ensures no off-season.
- When to Avoid: July-August if you prefer fewer crowds.
Splendido (Portofino, Italy)
- Where: Above the harbor on the Ligurian Coast
- Why Michelle Loves It: Splendido is chic, intimate, and glamorous. Perched above the bay, it exudes Dolce Vita ambiance—pines, sea breeze, church bells. Hand-painted walls and artisan details create crafted luxury. Evenings on the terrace are theater: yachts glittering below, a Negroni in hand, and live piano. La Terrazza is a true “pinch me” moment.
- Insider Tips:
- La Terrazza: Front-row table at golden hour.
- Spa: Brand-new Dior Spa.
- Sister Property: Shuttle to Splendido Mare for trofie pesto pasta and gelato.
- On the Water: Take a small gozzo to Paraggi Bay or San Fruttuoso.
- Walk It Off: Climb Castello Brown and the lighthouse.
- History: Began as a 1600s Benedictine monastery; became aristocratic summer villa.
- Best Time to Go: May-June or September.
- When to Avoid: August — crowds and yacht traffic; plan early swims and terrace lunches.
Belmond Hotel Cipriani (Venice, Italy)
- Where: Giudecca Island, a short boat ride from St. Mark’s
- Why Michelle Loves It: Venice is magical, and Cipriani enhances that enchantment. From stepping onto the hotel launch to lounging in a pool cabana with a Bellini, it feels cinematic. Rooms are serene, staff are welcoming, and views that open onto the city look like living paintings. Dining at Cip’s — don’t miss the signature carpaccio — and ending the night at Bar Gabbiano with martinis and live piano rounds out the experience.
- Insider Tips:
- Concierge-mapped bacaro crawl (Cantina Do Mori, All’Arco).
- Arrive by boat to Da Ivo for a theatrical dinner.
- Early or late hotel launch rides for peaceful canals.
- Private hours at San Giorgio Maggiore for golden-hour views.
- Book a pool cabana in advance — Cipriani’s pool is Venice’s largest.
- Best Time to Go: Early spring or late fall; catch the Regata Storica along the Grand Canal.
- When to Avoid: High summer (June-August) due to heat and crowd.
Four Seasons Mallorca (Mallorca, Spain)
- Where: Northern coast, between the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean
- Why Michelle Loves It: A tranquil Mediterranean escape with terraced gardens, stone paths, and mountain-to- sea views. Rooms with terraces and plunge pools invite lingering, and the outdoor bar is perfect for sunset cocktails.
- Insider Tips:
- Take the hotel boat to Port de Pollença for a seaside lunch.
- Watch mountain goats at sunset.
- Dine cliffside at Ca’s Patró March for fresh seafood and sweeping views.
- Best Time to Go: May-June or September-October for warm, calm weather.
- When to Avoid: July-August crowds and heat, mitigated by poolside retreats.
Heckfield Place (Hampshire, UK)
- Where: About 40 minutes from London
- Why Michelle Loves It: Quintessential British country-house hotel with restorative grounds, stylish rooms, and a Zen-like atmosphere. The Bothy by Wildsmith spa connects treatments with nature, while seasonal, farm-to-table dining celebrates simplicity. The Moon Bar adds playful nights to serene days.
- Insider Tips:
- Estate activities: gardening, beekeeping, or garden tours.
- River swimming — cold, but unforgettable.
- Private film screenings in the screening room.
- Chef-prepared picnics for the grounds.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round; spring/summer gardens, autumn colors, winter coziness.
- When to Avoid: Never.
Claridge’s (London, UK)
- Where: Mayfair, London
- Why Michelle Loves It: Claridge’s blends elegance with ease. Intuitive service, beautiful rooms, and inviting public spaces make it a chic home base. There’s a wide variety of rooms, and the hotel has the rare “home base” feel in central Mayfair.
- Insider Tips:
- Fried chicken appetizer at The Fumoir Bar.
- Shop the wine cellar and enjoy anywhere on property with no corkage.
- One suite even has a pool in central London.
- Afternoon Tea: first seating at The Foyer & Reading Room.
- Bar hop within the hotel—Dante NYC, Painter’s Room, then Fumoir.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round; spring for blossoms, December for holiday magic, September for energy.
- When to Avoid: Never; the hotel thrives even during busy city periods.
Auberge Du Soleil (Napa Valley, California)
- Where: Napa Valley
- Why Michelle Loves It: Iconic terrace views across vineyards. Rooms evoke Provençal elegance, the spa is tucked among olive and oak trees, and La Plage pool is perfect for rosé-soaked afternoons.
- Insider Tips:
- Long lunches with local wine on the terrace.
- Nearby: Wineries Heitz Cellars, Charter Oak and Bouchon Restaurant.
- Tasting at Thomas Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge.
- Tennis on the hotel’s tournamentsurface court.
- Best Time to Go: May-June or September-October.
- When to Avoid: August — heat and crowds peak.
- Where: Hilltop village near Avignon
- Why Michelle Loves It: Authentic Provençal charm: sun-washed walls, lavender, and calm, elegant rooms. Slow mornings at markets, vineyard bike rides, and terrace pools make days serene. Dinner at La Table du Ventoux is creative and local.
- Insider Tips:
- Sunrise over the valley.
- E-bike through vineyards with picnics.
- Markets: Carpentras (Fri), L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sun).
- Spa des Écuries in a converted stone stable.
- Best Time to Go: Late April-June or September-October.
- When to Avoid: July-August; plan early mornings and sunset dinners.
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