We were recently in Paris, and here's what you need to know

We were recently in Paris, and here's what you need to know: spring in the City of Light is shaping up to be extraordinary this year.

La Fondation opened in the 17th arrondissement with a rooftop offering sweeping views from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré-Coeur. Designed by Roman & Williams, it features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, a semi-Olympic pool, and rooms that feel like elegant yacht cabins suspended over Paris. Over in the 7th, the SAX Hotel (operated by Waldorf Astoria) has arguably the best rooftop in Paris, direct Eiffel Tower views from 1,200 square meters of terrace space.

Le Grand Café at the newly renovated Grand Palais has one of the most spectacular terraces in the city. Chef Omar Dhiab just opened Elbi, his deeply personal Egyptian-inspired bistro. If you can secure a reservation at Sushi Yoshinaga (just elevated to two Michelin stars), you're in for one of the finest omakase experiences outside Tokyo. And SENsation's comptoir is pairing six-course discovery menus with inventive cocktails that showcase why Paris leads in culinary creativity.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is hosting the largest David Hockney retrospective to date, over 400 works including his iconic "A Bigger Splash." At the Musée d'Orsay, there's a fascinating exhibition exploring Bridget Riley's connection to Georges Seurat's geometric work.

Paris in spring isn't just about the gardens blooming. It's about catching the city in this moment, when new openings are fresh, terraces are just opening for the season, and there's an energy that feels both timeless and completely of-the-moment. The weather is warming up, but summer crowds haven't arrived yet. You can still get reservations at the places everyone will be talking about by July.

If you've been thinking about Paris, this is the spring to go.

We are thrilled to share something we've been dreaming about for a long time: the launch of Carte & Compass Journeys, our new collection of deeply immersive cultural experiences in the world's most extraordinary places. And we couldn't be more excited about where we're beginning, the sun-drenched island of Sardinia, one of the world's Blue Zones and home to some of the most vibrant longevity traditions on earth.

This inaugural retreat will take place from May 16th to 23rd, 2026, in collaboration with Chef Jeremy Rock Smith, whose 35 years of culinary expertise and dedication to Mediterranean tradition have shaped transformative experiences at Miraval Wellness Resort and beyond. As a former Chopped chef and specialist in mindful cooking, Jeremy brings both technical mastery and a deep reverence for the way food connects us to place, culture, and each other.

Joining him is Simonetta Bazzu, local guide and cultural ambassador, who many of you may recognize from Stanley Tucci's beloved series Searching for Italy. In her 400-year-old Sardinian village, Simonetta doesn't just teach cooking, she opens the door to generations of tradition, sharing the rhythms of village life and the soul of Sardinia in ways you simply can't find anywhere else.

This isn't a fast-paced tour. It's a week of slowing down and moving with intention through villages, countryside, and coastline. You'll cook alongside Sardinian locals, gather where food is an expression of love, participate in a traditional pane carasau bread-making class, and experience Blue Zone food traditions through wine tastings, olive oil samplings, and meals shared with village elders, artisans, and cultural hosts.

This is a small retreat and demand has been overwhelming. There are only a few spots remaining. For more information email contact@carteandcompass.com.

Our membership program is for travelers who feel the same pull we do: toward both ease and depth, indulgence and authenticity. It's for those who want a trusted partner on call for everything from "I need a quick reset, soon" to "Help me plan a milestone trip I'll remember forever."

Current members are booking spring trips to Paris, planning summer in the Italian Riviera, and dreaming ahead to fall in Provence. Tell us where you're dreaming of going, when you'd like to travel, and what matters most to you. We'll take it from there.

You can also follow along for real-time hotel scouting, itineraries, and behind-the-scenes trip planning on Instagram: @carteandcompass.