Hotels

Jan. 5th, 2024 It is one of Big Smoke’s most posh neighborhoods. There you’ll find some of London’s top galleries and museums, walking streets with all manner of restaurants and cafes, and, of course, shop after shop offering the utmost in glorious shopping. The locality exudes class but not in a gaudy or over-the-top kind of way. There is an aura of discrete opulence that is refined and cultured. This wonderful part of the world is Chelsea and an ideal way to begin to explore it, know it, and live its lifestyle is with a stay in the Sloane Place…

Whitney SpielfogelNestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson Valley, Wildflower Farms, an Auberge Resort, stands out as a true gem, offering a serene and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, just in time for those New Year’s resolutions to take shape. Opened in late 2022, this farm-chic property is one of the best new hotels to debut in the Catskills, located an hour and a half outside of New York City. What sets Wildflower apart from other newcomers in the region is that it represents the first international luxury hotel operator to open a property in this…

Courtesy of Topnotch ResortWith winter in New England officially upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to warm up this season.  One of the best ways to do just that is with a visit to Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vermont. If you haven’t been lately, you’re in for a treat. Located on 120 acres at the base of Mount Mansfield, the luxury property “blends the gracious charm of a ski lodge with the luxurious amenities of a world-class resort.” Whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or just love the outdoors, this all-season property offers something for…

Shaena EngleThe Fairmont Empress in Victoria Canada recently unveiled the renovation of its Fairmont Gold Experience, providing guests one of the most luxurious and spacious lounges in all the Fairmont resorts. The makeover includes the addition of 22 new Fairmont Gold guestrooms as well as the transformation of the Fairmont Gold lounge expanding the space to a huge 4,000 square feet. The design, by San Francisco’s HBA firm, houses elements dating back to the Fairmont’s original 1908 architecture including a fireplace, steel beams and exposed brick archways. In addition to the redesigned Lounge and Gold suites, there is also a…

Photo courtesy of Amazing EvolutionNamed after an enterprising ornithologist, 1905 Zino’s Palace stands like a pink frosted cream cake on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the southern coast of Madeira.  Surrounded by banana plantations and verdant mountains that rise up steeply, it is an idyllic retreat to while away a few relaxing days. Columbia HillenNow state-owned and managed by Amazing Evolution, a Portuguese hotel management company, it stands close to Ponta do Sol (Sunny Point) and boasts an open-air swimming pool on a large terrace and friendly staff. Indeed, so cordial are staff members such as Gina and…

Photo by Thompson AustinAustin is not just the capital of Texas, it’s a  city where the spirit of live music mingles with the buzz of tech giants and the laid-back charm of Southern hospitality. In the heart of this cultural blend sits the Thompson Hotel, a haven where modern luxury seamlessly blends with Austin's unique character. Photo by Thompson AustinStepping into the Thompson is akin to entering a symphony of light and texture. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the soaring atrium in sun-kissed warmth, while a sculptural chandelier casts a whimsical glow. Mid-century modern furnishings waltz with contemporary art, creating a space…

Collezione EMCollezione EM opened its latest hotel, Violino d'Oro, in Venice this November. The five-star boutique hotel pays homage to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Venice by showcasing the city's deep history. A true gem, Violino d'Oro is a charming hideaway nestled along the canals, two minutes from Piazza San Marco, where guests can indulge in exquisite art and experience the magnificence of an intimate, truly Italian palazzo. The hotel is the masterpiece of Sara and Elena Maestrelli, highlighting the hospitality business that has been actively curated for over three decades by the female lineage of the talented Italian Florentine…

Pendry Newport Beach. Photo Jill WeinleinBuilt in 1986 by The Irvine Company, the statuesque Orange County resort has had quite a past. The hotel was once a Four Seasons and later became the Fashion Island Hotel. Located in the city's most desirable area, it is directly across the street from luxury shopping and International culinary fare at Fashion Island, and a few blocks from Roger's Garden, Corona del Mar Beach, Lido Marina Village, and the Back Bay. Pendry Newport Beach and Cadillac. Photo Jill WeinleinIn the lobby of the Pendry Newport Beach is the Concierge team to assist guests with…

(credit: Auberge Resorts)In our fifth and final installment of the most anticipated property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in the USA and Canada for 2024. Bowie House – Scheduled to open January 2024 An imaginative and bold urban retreat from Auberge Resorts, Bowie House will be one of the first true luxury hotels to open in Fort Worth, TX. In the city’s thriving Cultural District, the hotel’s 106 guest rooms consist of chic open floor lofts and spacious suites that embody Fort Worth’s charm and sophistication with traditional Western finishes. The art-filled hotel…

(credit: Soneva)In our fourth installment of the most anticipated property openings around the world, here is a curated list of new openings in Asia and Australia for 2024. Soneva Secret – Scheduled to open January 2024 Located in the sparkling waters of the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Soneva Secret will present 14 overwater and island villas, including the Maldives’ first floating villa. As the first resort in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, each villa features a dedicated team of three, which includes a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure every stay is wholly personalized. Including secret hideaways accessible only…