Simon Mottram's Little Black Book

Juvet Hotel, Norway

This 'landscape hotel' puts you right in the heart of nature in Valldal, a remote part of Norway. It comprises seven glass-and-wood modernist cubes by a river, among boulders, aspen and pine trees. It's stunning and totally cleansing. juvet.com

Crillon le Brave, France

Sitting on the delightful terrace of this boutique hotel, looking out to Mont Ventoux - a legendary road climb, just ridden - was one of my favourite moments. The views are matched by excellent service. crillonlebrave.com

Ace Hotel, New York

My favourite place to stay in New York. It brings Seattle/Portland cool to the Big Apple, with a New York swagger. The bar serves a mean Old-Fashioned. acehotel.com

Richard Dare, London NW1

A tiny treasure-trove of cookware in Primrose Hill stuffed with an amazing selection of utensils, pots, pans, crockery and devices you never knew you needed. The owner clearly loves his subject and has created a gem. (020 7722 9428)

Pavé, Barcelona

This is probably the best bike shop in the world. Set in an unassuming industrial suburb of Barcelona, it uses space, light and great materials to create a gallery devoted to the bicycle. There is even a shower for rider and bike to clean up. pave.cc

J Sheekey Oyster Bar, London WC2

J Sheekey is a West End institution, but my wife and I prefer the more casual oyster bar next door. With photographs of theatre greats lining the walls, we always feel we're at the centre of the world's greatest city. jsheekeyoysterbar.co.uk

Stanfords, London WC2

I've always loved maps and have even been nicknamed Maps by my friends. On my regular visits to Stanfords I lose myself in specialist maps of farflung places or pore over detailed road maps, planning my next cycling adventures. stanfords.co.uk

rapha.cc

Via: Simon Mottram's Little Black Book