Boston Has a Sophisticated New Place to Stay

Contessa, the 4,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant, designed by Boston resident Ken Fulk, will open in late June with sweeping views of the Boston Commons and the city skyline from a glass wall and ceiling enclosure that will slide open on warm days. The jewel-toned marble gridded floor complements the blush and teal velvet banquettes and chairs, marble bar, and details like fringed arm lamps, potted trees, and a playful wallpaper in the Newbury Street entryway that leads to a restaurant-only elevator. An Italian-focused menu by chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi will include dishes like pork and veal meatballs in a creamy Dijon sauce, ricotta and mozzarella panzerotti with marinara sauce, and butternut squash carpaccio.

On the second floor is the Newbury Salon, where afternoon tea will be reimagined by Major Food Group in a Jeffrey Beers International-designed room, which can also serve as a private event space. Starting in June or July, tea sandwiches and scones will be served on elegant Bernardaud service featuring playful images from Make Way for Ducklings.

While there is no spa, there is a massive fitness center designed by The Wright Fit and its founder, celebrity trainer Jay Wright, with equipment like Peloton bikes, Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment, and TRX suspension trainers. Lockers and a variety of waters and drinks are available.

All in all? It might be time to revise your bucket list and add this New England city to your summer travels after all.