Turn your living room into a gateway to the world’s most enchanting destinations with these coffee-table treasures, courtesy of luxury publisher Assouline.
Books have always held the power to transport us – whether it’s to imaginary realms or far-flung corners of the globe. Much like travel, they expose us to new experiences, moods and atmospheres, shaping the way we see the world. A beautifully bound book can be a journey in itself, a portal to discovery without ever leaving your room.
In the travel storytelling space, luxury lifestyle company and publisher Assouline captures this essence masterfully. Since the mid-90s, the brand has redefined the art of the illustrated book, creating works that are as tactile and luxurious as the destinations they celebrate. Their ‘Travel from Home’ series is an invitation to explore iconic cities and landscapes through vibrant covers, rich photography and evocative narratives. Each volume is a curated escape, perfect for your coffee table.
We feature four books from four continents that elevate armchair travel to a luxurious experience.
The Greek Islands (Europe)
@jetsetscoop The @assouline Greek Islands book is your passport to sun-soaked elegance — and these luxe essentials complete the fantasy: @guccibeauty Guilty Eau de Toilette — a bold scent for golden hours and Greek nights. @capribluecandles Volcano hand cream — tropical citrus heaven in your carry-on. @theouai Wave Spray — effortless, wind-tousled hair that says “I woke up in Mykonos.” @olehenriksen Truth Serum — that Vitamin C glow that matches the Aegean sunset. Ready to channel your inner Greek goddess? #JetSetScoop #GreekIslands #Assouline #LuxuryTravel #Mediterranean ♬ Greek islands – Guitar chords & Guitar Duo
The Greek Islands is one of Assouline’s bestsellers for good reason. With over 200 illustrations, it captures both the timeless beauty and the modern vibrancy of Greece’s most celebrated islands.
From Hydra to Santorini’s cinematic cliffs, the book celebrates the duality of the Greek spirit: ancient yet alive, serene yet electric. Authored by Chrysanthos Panas with photography by Katerina Katopis-Lykiardopulo, this volume doesn’t just showcase views – it invites you aboard a traditional sailboat, recreating the odyssey of discovery and hospitality that Greece embodies.
Miami Beach (North America)
Some cities hum, others pulse and according to many, Miami Beach positively dances. This book captures the city in all its sun-drenched, art deco, neon glory. Here, old-world glamour and modern extravagance coexist: Joe’s Stone Crab thrives beside avant-garde dining and art deco architecture meets cutting-edge design.
From the iconic Wynwood Walls to the electric atmosphere of Art Basel, Miami’s evolution is chronicled with verve. This is a city where yachts glint against turquoise waters by day, and nightlife dazzles by moonlight
Marrakech Flair (Africa)
To step into Marrakech is to awaken every sense. This volume captures the city’s spellbinding spirit, where zellige tiles glisten, spices perfume the air and the hum of Jemaa el-Fnaa fills the Medina. Dubbed the “Ochre City” for its sandstone walls, Marrakech has long been a muse for tastemakers.
The book moves between storied hotels such as La Mamounia, the lush riads of El Fenn and the souks alive with artisanship. With photography and narrative that celebrates both heritage and contemporary life, Marrakech Flair is as layered and colourful as the city itself. Just like a glass of mint tea in a shaded courtyard, it is both vibrant and calming, familiar yet endlessly exotic.
Kyoto Serenity (Japan)
If Miami is rhythm and Marrakech is spice, then Kyoto is silence. This book distils the tranquil essence of Japan’s cultural heartland. Wooden teahouses, cherry blossoms in ephemeral bloom and temple gardens designed for contemplation — every image whispers calm.
Yet Kyoto is not static. The vibrancy of Gion Matsuri, where festival floats parade like kinetic artworks, reveals the city’s lively spirit. Kyoto Serenity juxtaposes the delicate restraint of Japanese design with the exuberance of its traditions, offering a portrait of a place that embodies both stillness and celebration.
*All books are available from assouline.com and skins.co.za.
Words: Mecayla Maseka
Photography: Supplied
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