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The Classics Collection

Secret Stays

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In the transformative landscape of modern travel, a profound shift occurred in the noughties as individuals began renting out their homes to strangers, fostering an intimate connection between travelers and unique living spaces worldwide. This cultural evolution stems from a revived belief in gen...
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Melinda Stevens is the Founder and Creative Director of Salt Lick, an agency with clients including LVMH and Loupe. She was previously Editor-in-Chief of Condé Nast Traveller UK and then Condé Nast Traveller US. An award-winning columnist and editor, she has written several books for Assouline, produces magazines for Belmond, is an Advisor on Step: Your World, supports Chefs in Schools and works alongside talents and brands in travel, fashion and lifestyle to bring the best out of both.

Issy von Simson is a highly experienced editor, writer and content consultant. Most recently she was the Editor-in-Chief for Loupe, a new UK-focused digital travel platform. Prior to that she spent 16 years at Condé Nast leading editorial teams, defining content strategy and working across wellness, beauty and travel, both on Condé Nast Traveller and Tatler magazines, and their standalone guides.

Tabitha Joyce is a digital editor who spent 10 years at Condé Nast Traveller and is now a freelance writer and content consultant working with various international publications including Belmond’s annual edition of Mondes. She specialises in food and travel writing and was co-author with Melinda on their previous Assouline book, Chic Stays.

This French concept embodies the art of knowing exactly what to do and when to do it. At Assouline, savoir-faire defines every creation: from the artistry of our covers to the meticulous detailing of our Ultimate Collection and the precision of every page. Each title is a journey of craftsmanship, from concept to creation, guided by our creative team and brought to life with the highest standards of design, photography, and production. Every book reflects the dedication, care, and expertise that turn an idea into a lasting work of art.

  • Handle with Clean, Dry Hands: Always use clean, dry hands when handling your book to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages and cover. 
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or discoloration of the cover and pages. 
  • Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Humidity and moisture can damage both the paper and binding. Store books upright on a flat surface, away from heat sources. 
  • Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to gently remove dust from the cover and page edges. 
  • Use Caution When Opening: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, as this may damage the binding. 
  • Keep Away from Liquids and Food: Avoid placing books near food or beverages to prevent spills and stains.
If the content of your order arrives damaged, or is incorrect, please contact Customer Service as soon as possible.

If you received a damaged item, please email us with your order number, a description of the damage and photos of the damage.

If you wish to return your order for any other reason, we allow exchanges for merchandise credit within 14 days of delivery. We do not allow refunds and the customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. Please note that items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, with all the original packaging. Exchanges and credit are applicable only at the original point of purchase. The Ultimate Tower, The Allure Bookstand, headphones, and vintage or third-party objects are final sale and not eligible for return or exchange.

Please email us at customerservice@assouline.com with your order number to begin the return process for an online order.

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Here is history, storytelling, fortunes won and lost, layers to experience.

— Melinda Stevens
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Page count

304 pages

Number of illustrations

over 300

Language

English

Released on

March 2024

Dimensions

W 64 x L 84 x D 10 cm

Cover materials

Linen hardcover

ISBN

9781649803313

Weight

2.9 kg

Author

Melinda Stevens

Our commitment to sustainability

Assouline supports One Tree Planted in its commitment to a more sustainable world through reforestation. Since 2019, this partnership has contributed to global efforts to restore forests, with the long-term vision of creating a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees planted. Our dedication to craftsmanship extends beyond the books themselves—today, our titles are printed on paper selected with the environment in mind, supporting the shift toward more responsible materials. With the belief that beauty stands not just in how it looks, but in how it’s made.

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Standard Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.