Tourneau
With the recent explosion of luxe watch boutiques in the city, it can be tough to know where to go in search of your next timepiece. True aficionados, however, will steer you toward Tourneau, where you’ll encounter a considerable collection of the most coveted brands in the biz, including Rolex, which bought the century-old brand and its parent company last year. The sleek Copley Place shop also carries Patek Philippe, Breitling, Cartier, Omega, and a host of other leading lines. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston , MA 02116, tourneau.com.
The Designers Leather Clothiers
You wouldn’t expect to find such a selection of handmade cocktail hats and fascinators in a Beacon Hill leather-goods store. But they’re all here, and they’re all fabulous, festooned with feathers, flowers, bows, beads, and lots of love. You’ll become fast friends with the charming owner, who opened the biz with her husband in the 1980s; in fact, odds are good she’ll want you to send photos of your get-up after the big event. 106 Charles St., Boston , MA 02114, designerleatherclothes.com.
M. Flynn
The South End boutique from sisters and jewelry designers Moria and Megan Flynn is chock-full of fun, colorful pieces that add personality to any outfit: think lip-shaped rings in neon orange or bubblegum pink (as seen on Dua Lipa); rainbow-hued chevron bracelets; and Lucite-and-enamel hoops that look like jellies for your ears. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, mflynnjewelry.com.
PKL Boston
Courtesy of PKL Boston So you’re a pickleball virgin, but want to get in on the craze. No worries — you’re totally covered at PKL in Southie, which offers beginner to advanced clinics in a super-cool atmosphere (including full dinner, brunch, and cocktail menus to fortify yourself between rounds). Once you’ve mastered the art of dinking and volleying, you can meet up with your new pickleball buddies for open play, or even join one of PKL’s leagues. 64 C St., Boston, MA, 02127, playpkl.com.
Andrea Sealey, Boston Hairnista
Proof of Sealey’s top-tier stylist status? She was invited to style talent at last year’s NAACP convention. She also recently expanded to a new location in Canton, so ladies south of the city can get the same amazing braids, extensions, and silk presses as their city counterparts. Bonus points for same-day delivery of your fave salon products via Uber. Multiple locations, MA, bostonhairnista.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
Given the expansive gaming area, you’re not likely to see tons of kids at the Encore. But the resort offers pleasures well beyond slots and blackjack, from chef-driven restaurants to clubby lounges to couples’ massages at the spa. To really wow your SO, request the harbor-view suite — and be sure to add on the “bed and breakfast for two” package. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Boston Harbor Hotel
If you’re the type who doesn’t think it’s a getaway unless you’re gazing at the water, book a room at this luxe Rowes Wharf hotel. When you’re not soaking up the glorious harbor views from your room or suite, you can head down to the newly reimagined health club, scheduled to open mid-summer. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.
McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath
Why was this full-service firm worthy of an award this year? All you have to do is look at project “Full Throttle,” in which the team transformed a former shared family bathroom into an elegant parents only escape. A tired white tub became an oasis with deep-green chevron tiles, gold hardware, and a full glass wall. A drab vanity was upgraded with dark wood and a gleaming white countertop. Moody, elegant sconces replaced overhead lighting. If they can do that with the simplest of bathrooms, imagine what they could do to your space. 239 North Ave., Wakefield, MA 01880, mcguirekitchenbath.com.
Ligne Roset
courtesy photo Always dreamed of owning an Italian villa ora French pied-à-terre? Bringing a little Eurostyling to your stateside home may help scratch that itch. Long a paragon of sleek European design, today Ligne Roset’s Back Bay showroom is filled with ultra modern modular sofas, chic decorative touches like sculptural marble bookends, and dramatic abstractc handeliers from international designers such as Pierre Paulin, Evangelos Vasileiou, and Hiroshi Kawano. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, ligne-roset.com.
Catherine Truman Architects
To Catherine Truman and her team, every project is a new beginning. After all, each client has distinct preferences, and each site has its own history and attributes. With that outlook, it’s not surprising that the firm is adept at working on all manner of homes: complex historical renovations, LEED-certified new houses, sparkling city high rises, and everything in between. They particularly relish in designing all of the details — from the window trim to the kitchen cabinetry to the chimney cap — specifically for you. catherinetrumanarchitects.com.
S+H Construction
When it comes to upscale renovations, S + H Construction has been making its mark in the Greater Boston area for more than four decades. Clients appreciate the professionalism, personalized service, and cost efficiency that this residential construction firm brings to each project. But what they love even more is the craftsmanship: Whether dealing with an old home or a newer build, the company’s experienced staffers apply their in-depth knowledge and expertise to all of their work. shconstruction.com.
ZK Painting
Owner Zach Kenney strives for perfection, and it shows. His team is methodical in their preparation of each space, leading to flawlessly painted interior and exterior spaces every time. A big bonus is that Kenney’s company is master certified with Fine Paints of Europe, which means it can do high-gloss painting, a multistep process resulting in a spectacular sheen. This skill is hotly in demand, so get your name on Kenney’s list, pronto. zkpainting.com.
Sarma
Isn’t pan-Mediterranean mezze pretty much everywhere these days, you ask? Why, yes it is — but chef-owner Cassie Piuma’s free wheeling ethos produces something above and beyond that (see: her avocado muhummara and basturma bánh mì). You’ll understand the many award nods and accolades once you soak up Sarma’s lively yet chill vibe, listen to its erudite, earnest servers, and navigate your own euphoric jaunt across a dozen distinct culinary traditions. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, MA 02145, sarmarestaurant.com.
Suya Joint
Cecelia Lizotte, a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist, is busy expanding Suya Joint to Providence this year. But lucky for us, the bustling West African restaurant continues to wow crowds in Nubian Square, showcasing cuisine from Nigeria and the broader region. Start your meal with the namesake suya — spiced grilled beef skewers — but save room for a heaping portion of the Nigerian stew egusi, made from ground pumpkin seeds and spinach. 185 Dudley St., Boston, MA 02119, suyajoint.com.
Lehrhaus
Where else can you listen to Yiddish folklore with a soundtrack of live klezmer music while dining on mac-and-cheese kugel? This self-described “tavern and house of learning,” which grabbed national attention with its splashy 2023 opening, offers a unique blend of educational opportunities and excellent food. Order up dishes inspired by the Jewish diaspora, from herring tartine to chopped “not liver” made with eggplants and nuts, while surrounded by Jewish texts old and new — and don’t forget to pop in for a class. 425 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143, lehr.haus.