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    6 New and Renovated

    Design-Forward

    Hotels to Visit Now  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    F1RST Selects

    6 New and Renovated Design-Forward Hotels to Visit Now  

    With unique spaces, lots of private experiences, and stunning architecture and design details, these new and newly renovated properties are must-visit-list worthy.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    As we begin to think about summer travel and beyond, so many of us are craving space to spread out, cool and interactive experiences, and new and cutting-edge hotels to explore.

    In fact, experts point to a number of hotel design and architectural changes on the horizon, including a move towards more outdoor spaces, the importance of health (both from a cleanliness and a holistic perspective, like light-filled rooms and multiple pool offerings), and providing more local and community offerings.

    And you can find these elements—and so much more— in a new crop of properties that are opening and reopening this season. From southern California to Montenegro, these hotels and resorts offer interesting design details, stunning architectural accents, and, of course, the lux amenities that bring it all together. Read on for a few of our favorites.

    Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

    Encinitas, CA

    Channel those southern California vibes with a stay at this new resort, which opened in March. Set on a bluff overlooking the water in Encinitas—about a half-hour from San Diego—the resort, designed by San Diego-based Joseph Wong Design Associates with interior design by Mark Zeff Associates—partners seamlessly with its coastal location. The warm wood elements are carried over into the 130 rooms, studios, and suites, which also feature large black-framed windows and accents. Most of the rooms have private balconies or patios, with some overlooking the water and others featuring private fire pits—the largest of which are the two 1,000-square-foot presidential suites, each with stunning water views. Plus, local artist Aaron Chang serves as the property’s artist-in-residence. Insider tip: Sign up for private surf lessons. (When in California, right?) 

     

     

     

    Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Palm Beach, Florida

    With the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation—helmed by architect and designer Martin Brudnizki, who also designed the recently opened Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens as well as Chef Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami —this lux Palm Beach resort reopened in early April. The rooms and suites were one focus of the update: Consider the cabana terrace rooms, which offer either pool or beach views and have private terraces, or the 1,370-square-foot, two-bedroom Sea Breeze Suite, with ocean views and direct, private pool access. Set right on a private beach, there are water activities (private surf lessons), “poolside pop-ups” (s’mores, shaved ice), and fitness options (sunrise yoga), not to mention a partnership with 3-Michelin-starred chef, Mauro Colagreco. Insider tip: Ask to meet Fort, an Australian labradoodle, who serves as the resort’s therapy dog.  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Newbury Boston

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Boston, MA

    Dating back to 1927, this historic Back Bay hotel has been completely renovated and is opening in mid-May, with the most significant changes coming through design: The main entrance, featuring a terrace plaza and designed by architect Jeffrey Beers—whose firm, Jeffrey Beers International, is also behind projects like One&Only Palmilla in Mexico and the renovation of Miami’s Fontainebleau hotel—is now on stylish Newbury Street, where it sits steps from The Public Garden. Beers incorporated elements of the hotel’s past into the public areas, like the original chandeliers and original banister on the grand staircase. The 286 contemporary rooms, which were reimagined by Champalimaud Design, include 90 luxury suites—the most in Boston—characterized by original artwork, and in almost half the suites, wood burning fireplaces. Insider tip: Don’t miss having a drink at The Street Bar, the Beers-designed bar with a roaring 20s feel.

     

     

     

    1 Hotel Toronto

    Toronto, Canada

    Set to open at the end of June, this new addition to the 1 Hotel portfolio is located in Toronto’s King West Village neighborhood and takes its mission of sustainability to heart: Existing structural material has been reused, as have reclaimed materials—like timber, driftwood, and local limestone—from the surrounding community. Designed by the Rockwell Group and with inspiration from nature and nearby Lake Ontario, the rooms offer wood accents, greenery, and natural elements, while the outdoor areas—including a pool with skyline views—offer more wood details and stone outcroppings. If you’re heading out, continue the sustainable experience by using one of the hotel’s electric cars. Insider tip: Check out the property’s Urban Garden, which supplies herbs, cucumbers, and other veggies to the hotel’s four restaurants and bars, as well as serving as an event spot.

     

     

     

    Rosewood Little Dix Bay

    Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

    This Virgin Gorda resort, a BVI mainstay since 1964, offers a jaw-dropping outdoor-meets-indoor experience. Reopened last year after a multi-million dollar, four-year renovation, one of the property’s defining features is the half-mile of gorgeous white sand beach it sits on. And the eco-minded resort itself, described as “almost like walking on the set of a 1960s James Bond movie,” pairs stone and natural elements with its signature triangular-shaped roofs and feeling of being at one with the surrounding landscape. Plus, the accommodations—all with water views—provide space to spread out, including villas with up to four bedrooms and large suites that boast outdoor patios and terraces. And good news if you’re fully vaccinated: Starting in mid-May, you only have to quarantine until your arrival Covid tests results come in—usually no more than two days. Insider tip: Ask beverage manager Jay Ramluggun to make you a barrel-aged Negroni or a Painkiller, a must-try Caribbean cocktail.

     

     

     

    One&Only Portonovi

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Herceg Novi, Montenegro

    Opened on May 1, this new One&Only property overlooks the Bay of Kotor and offers stunning water views. And the surroundings are just as beautiful: The region, a UNESCO world heritage site, features distinct Venetian architecture, and the resort’s design honors that tradition, with details like arched windows and red terracotta roofs. Outdoors, you’ll find lush courtyards and gardens, along with a private beach, six pools, and a private jetty. Inside, the rooms, suites, and villas are stylish and sophisticated, some of which also include uniquely positioned fireplaces—a nod to Montenegrin culture, where fireplaces were once at the center of the home. Insider tip: Keep up the appreciation of local architecture with the “Wonders of the Sea” diving tour, which explores the tunnel structures of old Yugoslav submarine caves.

     

     

     

    Like what you see? Whether you want to learn more about a particular property or are ready to book and head out, let us know and we’ll make the process as smooth—and your stay as great—as possible. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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