Leo Sentou’s Endless Summer

Stories Destinations Leo Sentou’s Endless Summer

Even the most creative minds need a break… But how, where, and what? We couldn’t resist asking the talented designers at Invisible Collection how they spend their summer holidays. The answers are so enticing, four words come to mind: Take me with you!Enjoy the read, and enjoy the summer!

Your Go-To Destination…

“Undoubtably it would have to be Menorca. Some friends bought a house there few years ago which triggered the desire to discover the island. I fell in love with the overall understated atmosphere. There is such a close knit of artists, designers and architects, it is all very genuine and inspiring.
This summer though I am going to the Luberon Vert with my partner. My parents had a house there when I was a teenager and I look forward to rediscovering the beauties of this part of Provence and to show it to him as well.
Whichever the destination; by the sea or inland, I am drawn to places that offer a balance of culture, beautiful sceneries and architecture as well as great spots to relax and dine.”

 

The Must-Visit Spots

“In Menorca, Son Blancand Torralbenc are always a pleasure for all the senses. Beyond their breathtaking locations, both embrace local agritourism in the most sincere way — most of what you eat there is grown on the island, often on their very own land. There’s something incredibly grounding and luxurious about that connection to place. A must-visit is Hauser & Wirth on Isla del Rey. The curatorial work is always exceptional, and the setting itself — with architecture by Luis Laplace — is so inspiring. He also designed the beautiful restaurant within the compound, where the experience of dining becomes part of the artistic journey. For our upcoming trip to Provence, I’m especially looking forward to visiting Le Domaine de Fontenille and Les Airelles in Gordes — both stunning destinations in their own right. The Luberon is full of charm, and I can’t wait to wander through villages like Bonnieux, Lourmarin, and Lacoste. There’s something timeless about walking those cobbled streets, unhurried, with no set plan. We’ll also make a point to visit Le Palais des Papes in Avignon, where works by Jean-Michel Othoniel, an artist I deeply admire, will be on show. His work always brings a poetic sense of wonder, and seeing it in such a historic setting will no doubt be memorable.”

Your Trip Picks: Book, Playlist & Podcast

“When it comes to the playlist, my partner Ben is definitely in charge. Since we will be driving quite a bit, I suspect a generous helping of Françoise Hardy will accompany us on the road — it sets the perfect tone for a summer journey through Provence.
As for reading, I try to go through one book per week – in French or English depending on the mood. I am finishing Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali, a moving story of young love and quiet disenchantment. Once that’s done, I’ll be diving into Astrologiques: Essai sur l’Odyssée by Mark Alizart. It offers a fascinating interpretation of The Odyssey as an allegorical retelling of astronomical phenomena, woven into the epic narrative we all know.”

 

The Dream Holiday Activity…

“For me, the perfect holiday strikes a balance between relaxation and exploration. Ideally, it starts with a morning swim — the sea if possible, though a pool will happily do — followed by a leisurely breakfast. Mid-morning is for venturing out: exploring nearby villages and towns, visiting galleries or museums, and soaking up the atmosphere. I love people-watching from a café terrace; it’s one of my favourite ways to feel the spirit of a place. I always hope to stumble across a charming antiques shop during these outings. My partner and I have brought home some incredible finds from our travels — it’s such a joy to see them at home, each piece constitutes a memory.
Evenings are sacred. We’ll freshen up, change, and have an apéritif before heading out to dinner — whether it’s at the hotel or a hidden gem of a local restaurant.”

 

An Unforgettable Moment…

“It was years ago — the first summer Ben and I spent together. We travelled to the Costa Brava, near Cadaqués, where my grandfather used to live for half the year. He had two properties there: one for himself, and one for the grandchildren, which I made full use of — especially during my teens and twenties. One day, we went to visit him. From his terrace, you could see the Pyrenees rising in the distance, marking the border between Spain and France. At one point, with great enthusiasm, my grandfather pointed toward the horizon and cried out, “France!” — addressing Ben, who didn’t speak a word of French. It was such a simple moment, yet full of warmth and connection. Despite the language barrier, there was a deep sense of complicity between them. To this day, I find that memory incredibly moving — a snapshot of sincere joy.”

P.S. —  Leo’s secret to packing the perfect case?
“Always leave space for books and the decorative items we inevitably bring back from our discoveries. Those little treasures are part of the joy of traveling — they carry the spirit of the place home with us…”

 

 

Leo Sentou

Trained at the ENSAAMA Olivier de Serres School in Paris before moving to London to take a master’s degree at Central Saint Martins, Leo Sentou works on high end residential and hospitality projects honing his skills and sense for detail, whilst growing a strong passion for beautiful finishes. In 2021, Leo launched his first furniture line that encapsulates his love for noble materials and exceptional craftmanship. 

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