PIET BOON'S HIDDEN GEMS

Interior designer Piet Boon reveals his best-kept secrets. These are his favourite spots for dining and drinking.

Interior designer Piet Boon reveals his best-kept secret gems. These are the addresses of his best and hippest tables hideaways. Curious which five hotspots are on the list?Text: Piet Boon | Online editor: Natasha Hendriks
Image: Rahi Rezvani

Chalkley Treehouse, Sabi Sands

Piet: “Staying in the Chalkley Treehouse can be included in the 'breathtaking experiences' category. This treehouse is part of the five-star Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and originally served as a viewing deck for photographers. It is now one of the most beautiful open-air atmosphere private suites in the world. Around dusk, the nocturnal animals will slowly awaken, creating an impressive spectacle to watch and listen to. Because this part of South Africa is known for its noisy predators such as hyenas, jackals and lions. Pillow fight under the African stars!”

Song Saa, Mittakpheap

Piet: “Insanely beautiful resort on an idyllic private island, located in the Gulf of Thailand on the south coast of Cambodia. It has 27 very exclusive villas, divided into 'overwater villas' (on stilts in the sea), 'jungle villas' (on the hill, in the green) and 'beach villas' (with their own swimming pool and private beach). Song Saa was developed in 2012 by an Australian couple, Rory and Melita Hunter. They have managed to create an atmosphere that is reminiscent of Thailand thirty years ago, before it was discovered by tourists. That they have managed to reach such a level in a country that is still developing!”

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London

Piet: “You used to read about Ronnie Scott's in the magazines. Party den number 1 where the Stones also came to listen to blues music. The other day I was walking through Soho and was astonished to see a sign on the street with the Ronnie Scott's program. That tent still exists, for almost 75 years! I'm not a fan of jazz, but I really like old blues and soul from time to time. You will come across old names such as Booket T, Booker T & MG's and other big names. It is still just as dark and atmospheric a hole as it used to be.”

360 Istanbul

Piet: “Hip restaurant/club in the penthouse of a nineteenth-century building, with... roof terrace with 360 degree views of the city and the Bosphorus. For dessert, have 'Death by Chocolate, Popcorn Crème Brule & Chocolate Orgazm' – deadly delicious indeed.”

Thank you, Paris

Piet: “Concept store on Boulevard Beaumarchais that is on par with Colette. They have all the new hot shots there when it comes to furniture. But also a new watch from Hublot, glasses from Mykita, you name it. Dangerous store, I better not have my credit card with me.”