Tired of self-isolation? Let books be your passport and take a trip around the globe through the pages of these inspiring coffee table books — full of idyllic destinations, extraordinary landscapes and incredible travel photography. Whether you want to bookmark future trips, reminisce over past adventures or need some respite from the news, here is our recommended reading list to help you see the world from a new perspective.
ST. TROPEZ SOLEIL
Assouline’s latest publication offers an escape to the sunshine-soaked French Riviera, with 300 pages dedicated to the picturesque oasis of St. Tropez. Famed for its idyllic beaches and Mediterranean charm, St. Tropez attracts a star-studded crowd of actors, artists and writers who flock to the hot spot year after year. In St. Tropez Soleil, a series of vivid rainbow-like photographs explore the destination’s storied past and its ever-evolving present, alongside text by acclaimed French writer Simon Liberati. The volume captures St. Tropez’s infectious joie de vivre in a colourful keepsake sure to take pride of place on the bookshelf. Assouline.com
GREAT ESCAPES: AFRICA. THE HOTEL BOOK. 2020 EDITION
Presenting a stunning visual journey through the postcard-worthy landscapes of Africa, this updated guide offers a glimpse into the rich culture, urban creative hubs, incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery of the continent. From the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean, the vast Sahara to the Cape Verde archipelago, the volume showcases a grand adventure explored through the the doorways and windows of Africa’s most exclusive hotels; including hidden gems in Mozambique, South Africa, and Ethiopia; a Tanzanian coffee plantation; the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town; and the Serengeti Safari Camp. Taschen.com
UZBEKISTAN: THE ROAD TO SAMARKAND
Showcasing ornate palaces, colossal mountains, unforgotten traditions, colourful textiles and wondrous monuments, Uzbekistan: The Road to Samarkand details the rich culture and diverse history at the heart of this largely unknown central Asian country. A collaboration between author, Yaffa Assouline, and photographer, Laziz Hamani, the book captures the essence of Uzbekistan by taking the reader on a voyage through quaint towns, architecturally brilliant cities and dramatic landscapes — filled with unforgettable encounters, people and places. Assouline.com
THE BUCKET LIST: PLACES TO FIND PEACE AND QUIET
From urban jungles to wilderness hideouts and mindfulness retreats, The Bucket List: Places to Find Peace and Quiet invites you to venture into the world’s hidden sanctuaries and hard-to-find quiet spots. Written by journalist Victoria Ward, the book is full of travel inspiration to daydream over; featuring idyllic photography alongside an insightful guide to peaceful places, must-see views and unknown foodie destinations. Consider this an armchair traveller’s guide to off-the-beaten-track escapes. Rizzoliusa.com
ZAHA HADID. COMPLETE WORKS 1979-TODAY
Explore architectural marvels across the world in Taschen’s updated monograph dedicated to the life and work of late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. From the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies & Research Center in Riyadh, which boasts hexagonal pods that interlock like honeycomb, to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, a starfish-shaped terminal that could easily have been transported from a faraway galaxy, Hadid’s vision helped to shape some of the most spectacular built landscapes around the globe. Taschen.com
GRAY MALIN: ITALY
If you’re reminiscing over long summer days on the Italian coastline, look to Gray Malin’s beautiful fine art photography to take you back to la dolce vita. In Gray Malin: Italy, you can escape to the sparkling blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, the colourful coastal scenery of Cinque Terre and the lush greenery of Lake Como through Malin’s unique lens. Featuring never-before-seen, privately sold images, the book highlights the quintessential Italian lifestyle; from retro beach umbrellas to white-washed buildings and traditional pizzerias overlooking the water. Graymalin.com
