5 weekend getaways recommended by designers and lighting professionals

He is responsible for the business side of things and customer satisfaction, leading operations that are scalable and can be applied elsewhere through tactical strategies that respond quickly to market needs.

The perfect city for a weekend getaway for this executive is London, and in fact he goes there as often as he can, accompanied by his wife. He justifies his preference because he considers this destination as a place that combines an intensive cultural energy with a modern sensibility that never disappoints. Furthermore, he considers London to be a city of contrasts that sit comfortably together side-by-side, offering visitors unique inspiration. Amongst his must-see spots are the Tate Modern Museum and exploring the artsy cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Shoreditch.

Based in Cologne, Germany, this award-winning designer creates furniture, lighting and accessories that combine structural innovation with intuitive and poetic detailing. Each of her projects which are exhibited around the world and produced by reputable manufacturers, sensitively reinterpret traditional production techniques bringing light, architecture and texture together to generate harmonious and intentional environments.

Meike Harde recommends the city of Basel, Switzerland, for a short weekend getaway, citing its vibrant art scene, rich architectural landscape, and the laid-back atmosphere associated with the Rhine River. Among the cultural attractions she recommends discovering is the Beyeler Foundation, an exceptional museum surrounded by planting, renowned for its magnificent exhibitions. And as for the food, she recommends the charming Asian restaurant Noohn, which also caters to vegetarians.

Design engineer specialising in lighting spaces.

For Ramos, Menorca is the place where architecture and light come together in an exceptional way. She explains how the island is defined by its unusual materials, two completely contrasting landscapes are encompassed within just 50 kilometres: a rugged, dark, and wild north; and a gentle, luminous and warmer south. Its architecture is defined by the ubiquitous marès stone, a warm and porous local sandstone that diffuses natural light, creating soft shadows and villages of rich colourful textures. The streets of these settlements retain traces of the Georgian legacy from the British occupation, blending seamlessly with the authentic spirit of Menorca. Among her recommendations are visiting some of the old quarries, especially the Pedrera de Santa Ponça, as well as the talayots y navetas (Bronze age megaliths), as well as walking around the historic centre of Ciutadella.

High-end lighting expert Ritter has had a varied professional career in the design sector. Working at the Copenhagen based Moller & Rothe, who specialise in bespoke lighting solutions, aimed at both professional and private clients, he deals with some of the best and most innovative lighting brands.

For Ritter the perfect destination for a weekend getaway is the Italian city of Venice where he recommends exploring its unique waterways, a network of canals and charming alleyways and emblematic architecture. Among his favourite must-visit recommendations is the exceptional Peggy Guggenheim collection. And one of his favourite places in Venice is the Terraza Danieli, a terrace by the eponymous hotel, which offers fantastic views over the Venetian lagoon and is the perfect place to enjoy dinner, drinks, or just a coffee.

He studied Product Design at university and after working for 26 years in the lighting sector he recognises that his professional passion comes from seeing how light transforms spaces and affects people’s mood. He particularly enjoys exploring the combination of creativity and technical know-how, and more recently the power of light to influence health. Even today he is still being inspired by the challenge of converting light into ambience, function and design, and wherever the future of lighting leads him.

Fielding’s favourite city for a weekend to savour design and culture is Copenhagen, which combines elegant Scandinavian design, innovative architecture, and a vibrant arts scene. He particularly enjoys the museums, creative neighbourhoods, cosy cafes, and attractively designed public spaces that make it an inspiring place to visit, easy to take in over a couple of days. In his opinion, one of the most beautiful museums is the Louisiana Museum, thanks to its waterfront location and stunning modern architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens. He also recommends James Turrell’s permanent installation ‘Aftershock’ at Copenhagen Contemporary. And for a truly indulgent tasting menu, nothing beats Den Lille Fede, one of his favourite restaurants.