The Mediterranean Insider

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean hot list
January 2025

The Mediterranean • Insider guides • The Mediterranean hot list January 2025

What we’re loving in January 2025 (and you will too)

Stay informed and stay inspired! The Mediterranean hot list is your monthly dossier of what’s shaping the cultural and creative landscape across the Mediterranean. From smart new openings and design-forward projects to events worth pencilling into your diary, we spotlight the ideas and initiatives that matter. Whether you’re a local with a keen eye on your surroundings or a traveller seeking authentic inspiration, this is your curated guide to the things that are getting our attention (and deserve your’s, too).

Be the first to know. Get on the list.

Top photography courtesy of Pur’

Cafè de l’Arquitecte: Barcelona dining with personality

Set within Hotel Casa Sagnier, in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Cafè de l’Arquitecte brings Mediterranean flavours to life while honouring its setting in the former home and studio of architect Enric Sagnier. The design, by Turull-Sørensen Architects, blends dark wood, vintage bookshelves, and abstract murals with nods to Sagnier’s legacy. Chef Jorge Aranda’s menu hits all the right notes. We loved the crisp Iberian ham croquettes and the cuttlefish rice, mixed and served tableside. Drinks are just as thoughtful – don’t miss the Sagnier House 1796 cocktail. A must-visit for anyone in Barcelona – read our full review.

Cafè de l’Arquitecte
Passatge de la Concepció, 17
Barcelona
Spain

Photography courtesy of Yago Bruna and Hotel Casa Sagnier

Bellevigne: a retreat among the vines in Bourgogne

In the heart of Chambolle-Musigny, Bellevigne Bourgogne offers a fresh take on wine tourism, blending understated luxury with the charm of Burgundy’s rolling vineyards. The first property in the new collection by Les Hôtels (Très) Particuliers, this boutique hotel transforms a historic estate into a warm, inviting getaway. Interior architect Jordane Arrivetz, known for her work at Bonnie in Paris and La Tartane in Saint-Tropez, envisioned Bellevigne as a grand family home. Each room is uniquely designed, inspired by the seasonal colours of the surrounding vines – so even if your glass is empty, your surroundings will stay full-bodied. With terraces, a heated outdoor pool and an upcoming spa, Bellevigne Bourgogne is a base to explore Burgundy’s wines and culture year-round.

Bellevigne Bourgogne
7 Rue de l'Église
Chambolle-Musigny
France

Affiliate link (what is it?)

Top photography courtesy of Bellevigne Bourgogne

Pur’: a Paris dining experience redefined

Moody and seductive, Pur’, the exclusive restaurant at Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, has unveiled a stunning new look crafted by architect and artist Hugo Toro. Inspired by 1930s interior design, Toro’s vision blends raw and precious materials – wood, marble, ochre tones and lacquered finishes – to create a warm, luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of a private residence. From Murano glass chandeliers in the Winter Garden to a show-stopping 8-metre fireplace, every detail speaksvolumes. Chef Jean-François Rouquette’s menu, crafted with assistant chef Ai Okabayashi and pastry chef Narae Kim, embraces seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavours. Highlights include the intimate Chef’s Table, seating just six guests.

Pur’
5 Rue de la Paix
Paris
France

Photography courtesy of Pur’

Galerie Paradis: a Paris design destination with soul

In a former ceramics factory in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, Galerie Paradis is the kind of inspiring place that turns casual visitors into keen collectors. Founded by Nathalie Bucari, the 1,000-square-metre space showcases over 70 contemporary designers, 20th-century furniture and objects of popular art, all curated with a knack for storytelling. Bucari, who stumbled into design after selling her personal collection in a whirlwind ten days, is as passionate about the stories behind each piece as the pieces themselves. Spread over three levels, Galerie Paradis makes design accessible without losing its edge. And with Galerie Paradis offering bespoke sourcing, the gallery is setting a new standard for how we live with beautiful things.

Galerie Paradis
7 rue de Paradis
Paris
France

Top photography courtesy of Galerie Paradis

Caillou: Lyon’s modern café under ancient arches

Caillou is a love letter to Lyon’s layered history, reimagined by French architecture studio Bloma. Tucked into a historic archway on the Saône riverfront, the 140-square-metre space balances centuries-old stone with a fresh modernist twist. Inspired by Albert Frey’s Californian designs, partners Julian Spagnolo and Jeremy Frenot introduced teak tones, midcentury orange and custom leather banquettes to make the space feel both bold and timeless. With chrome chair frames, Eileen Gray tables and sinuous grey banquettes, every detail feels deliberate. It’s the kind of spot where design enthusiasts come for the coffee but stay for the seating.