When you consider how central ideas of locality, craftsmanship and sustainability are to Darren Rubenstein’s singular South Yarra hotel, United Places, it comes as little surprise that those values should carry through through to the hotelier’s holiday wish list.

From an icon of Danish design to whisky and works of art that are the unequivocal expression of their maker, their time and place, Rubenstein’s selection mirrors his exquisite tastes and unwavering commitment to sourcing and championing the very best, no matter the field in question. And should an item of furniture that’s found in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the V&A Museum, London and the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, among others, not be entirely feasible, you would do well to consider gifting a loved one (or yourself) a night at Rubenstein’s exquisite property, overlooking Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens. A word of warning: you’ll never want to leave.

Tile and cover image: Composite