Secret Stays

Assouline creates the highest quality, most coveted book-objects whose distinctive graphic identity and editorial savoir-faire have captured imaginations, addressing new themes in a contemporary manner. With more than 1,500 titles on fashion, art, photography, travel, and design, the brand was created to be the first luxury book brand on culture, supplying everything for the modern library. In the transformative landscape of modern travel, a profound shift occurred in the noughties as individuals began renting out their homes to strangers, fostering an intimate connection between travelers and unique living spaces worldwide. This cultural evolution stems from a revived belief in genuine hospitality, transcending mere transactions to embrace a desire for meaningful connections and the exchange of stories. Secret Stays, a captivating exploration curated by Melinda Stevens, Issy von Simson, and Tabitha Joyce, unveils twenty-two extraordinary places owned by remarkable personalities, from the Countess of Burlington to the villagers of Tizkmoudine. Whether it's a secluded Croatian monastery or a Japanese machiya townhouse, each property featured encapsulates a rich history and its contemporary transformation, symbolizing the dynamic evolution of how we experience global travel today.