From the Editor Christian Schwalbach “ If we’ve learned anything in these past few years, it’s that the right time to indulge yourself is not tomorrow or next year, but precisely now „ DEPARTURES THERE ARE CERTAINLY virtues to be found in compromise: a new perspective, increased efficiency or simply acknowledging the complex, intertwined nature of our world. All good things. But there are also times when compromise is a disappointment – occasions when only the right thing, or place, will do. This issue of Departures celebrates the impulse to get exactly what you want, whether it’s a trip to a bucket-list destination, a key piece of furniture or a vintage watch that has been tickling your fancy for years. Because, if we’ve learned anything in these past few years, it’s that the right time to indulge yourself is not tomorrow or next year, but precisely now. I encourage you, then, to pore over every page of the magazine, finding off-the-radar holiday spots for your bucket list, ranging from beautifully minimalist hotels in the Japanese countryside to an eye-opening art collection just outside Helsinki. You’ll also find expert advice on collectable furniture and rums – the spirit du jour among connoisseurs around the globe – as well as a savvy guide to the world of luxury vintage. Don’t forget to peruse the guide to gastronomy in Zurich, where the chefs have taken a cue from their watchmaking brethren and are getting everything exactly right. We at the editorial team hope you find as much inspiration in these pages as we did – and we look forward to seeing you on our up-to-the-minute website as well, departures-international.com. 20
