Hop Over To: Hydra, Greece

Welcome to Hydra, a captivating car-free island in the Saronic Gulf. While easily reached by a quick ferry ride from Athens, some opt for the scenic adventurous sailboat journey that’s still easy to do in a day. Once on the island, you’ll navigate its charming cobblestone streets by foot or donkey, immersing yourself in a tranquil, timeless atmosphere. Historically a haven for artists and celebrities, Hydra enchanted Leonard Cohen, who lived here since the 1960’s until he passed and this summer, a striking Jeff Koons sculpture added a modern artistic flair to its storied shores. For a memorable evening, Omilos restaurant at sunset offers an enchanting seaside setting where the fresh grilled octopus, and a martini or two above the cliffs just hit perfectly. The vibrant yet romantic ambience as waves lapped below made it our absolute favorite. Hydra’s water at spots like Paralia Kaminia while using the lounge, food and drink features from Castello Hydra are stupidly clear, with a turquoise vibe that makes you want to order a spritz and some french fries, jump in and forget your phone exists. Whether you’re drawn to its bohemian legacy or stunning natural beauty, Hydra is a dreamy escape.

Go See: ICONS, a new exhibition of paintings by Ryan Jones

Caldwell Snyder Gallery

341 Sutter Street, San Francisco, Ca

Ryan Jones’ latest body of work masterfully reimagines the essence of pop culture icons through his distinctive use of divided canvases, creating a visual dialogue between past and present. Drawing from his background in cinematic matte painting, Jones fragments and juxtaposes imagery—ranging from classic cars and vintage watches to legendary film figures—into cohesive narratives that invite viewers to explore the cultural significance of these symbols. His paintings not only celebrate the allure of bygone eras but also prompt reflection on how these icons have shaped contemporary identity and desire. In an age dominated by rapid digital consumption, Jones' work offers a contemplative pause, encouraging audiences to consider the enduring impact of visual media on our collective consciousness. By bridging the gap between nostalgia and the now, his art explores the relevance of historical imagery in today's social media landscape.

Exhibition on view through Aug 11

Sexy Salty Summer Hair

DAVID JAMES. Sea Salt Spray

Buy it now: In-studio or our online shop

Introducing our DAVID JAMES. Sea Salt Spray, priced at $28 (grab one in studio or online!), has been the summer’s hottest grooming product for guys and gals alike, and it’s easy to see why. This stuff gives your hair that effortless, just-left-the-beach texture—tousled, not fussy, with enough grip to make even thin hair look fuller. You spritz it on, scrunch it a bit, and get that rugged, lived-in vibe without spending hours in front of a mirror. It’s not sticky or heavy, so your hair still moves naturally, whether you’re rocking a short crop or longer waves. Grab it at www.davidjamessalons.com and nail that low-key, coastal look, no ocean required.

WIN THE SEA SALT SPRAY!

Follow us on Instagram @davidjamessalon and comment on your favorite photo and say ‘Gimme the Sea Salt Spray’ and the first 5 comments posted will win a free Sea Salt Spray to be picked up in store or shipped in the continental United States!

Listen to: New Order - Crystal

Coming off their 2001 album ‘Get Ready’, Crystal is a banger that still hits hard with its pulsing synths and driving guitar riffs, perfectly blending their post-punk roots with dance-floor energy. It’s got this raw, anthemic vibe—Bernard Sumner’s vocals are earnest yet detached, like he’s chasing something he knows he’ll never catch. The irony is in the title: “Crystal” sounds pristine, but the song’s about messy, fleeting connections, which feels like a nod to San Francisco’s own mix of fleeting tech dreams and gritty heart. What’s special is how it captures that early-2000s optimism with a bittersweet edge, making it a go-to for late-night drives across the Bay Bridge. It’s just a damn good track that doesn’t try too hard to be anything it’s not.

Go Eat: Cafe Reveille (Marina, Russian Hill, Lower Haight + More)

Cafe Reveille has become one of those rare places that manages to be both a neighborhood staple and a low-key scene. What started as a sleek food truck near Levi’s Plaza—launched by brothers Christopher and Thomas Newbury—has grown into a small, thoughtful collection of cafes across San Francisco, with locations in Russian Hill, the Marina, and Lower Haight, and a new outpost coming soon to 324 Clement Street. Each space has its own identity, but the through line is clear: polished without pretense, a design-forward aesthetic that feels more considered than curated. The menu leans clean and satisfying—think grain bowls, tartines, and what might be the best breakfast sandwich in the city (get it with “the works”). It draws a mix of locals, creatives, and the occasional laptop nomad, all orbiting around good coffee and better atmosphere. Reveille isn’t trying too hard, which is exactly why it works.

Stylist + Friend Spotlight: Arianna Amirsadri + Nick Polansky

Arianna Amirsadri—known affectionately as Ari to many—has become a trusted name in the Bay Area hair scene, particularly for those seeking expert care in textured and curly hair. As a longtime stylist at DJS., Ari has built a devoted following, especially within the Curly Community across San Francisco and Marin. Her signature shags and effortlessly lived-in men’s cuts have become staples in her portfolio, all delivered with a calm, kind demeanor that clients instantly feel at ease with. Book an appointment with Arianna, and you’ll quickly understand why so many have made her their stylist for years.

Just across the Golden Gate in Sausalito, Arianna’s creative world intersects with another: Fjord, the breathtaking new floating sauna that opened last week on Richardson Bay. Designed by her husband, architect Nick Polansky of NWP Art + Architecture, Fjord is already making waves in the wellness world. Housed in sleek, repurposed shipping containers with panoramic bay views, it offers a Scandinavian-inspired hot-cold plunge experience. This innovative wellness retreat has been featured in Dwell Magazine (shout out to the world’s best neighbor, + amazingly talented Alex Farnum on the incredible photography and videography worth a follow on IG) and other top publications, highlighting the thoughtful design and artistry behind it. Fjord is more than just a sauna—it’s a serene escape, crafted for connection, restoration, and the same grounded elegance Ari brings to her work every day.

Best of the county: Marin Magazine 2025

Just before hitting “send” on this latest issue of The Little Guide, we got a surprise email from Marin Magazine letting us know we’d been named one of Marin’s Best of the County businesses. We’ve never asked for votes or nudged our clients in that direction, so it was a nice little nod—and a reminder that sometimes you can get recognized without playing the usual pay-to-play game. :)

Hop to Hydra, Discover ICONS, ‘Best of the County’, Salty Summer Hair, and the hottest (literally) spot in Sausalito.