12.22.16 |
SanDiegoFoodFinds.com
New Hotel and Travel Destinations
The 2017 forecast for hotel and travel destinations is all about discovering that pristine enclave, and the more locally curated, the sweeter the sojourn. Emerging hotspots are situated at already-coveted destinations, yet luxuriously secluded like New Zealand’s new Helena Bay, Jamaica’s Port Antonio and Hawaii’s ruggedly elegant Lanai. Collectively, they define the luxploration movement. From Turks & Caicos to Ireland to Santa Barbara and beyond — acclaimed properties across the globe are getting refreshed, renovated and reimagined. On the trends front, the renaissance man is stepping out, resorts are deep-diving into wellness and meetings are going way outside the box.
2017 HOTEL OPENINGS
The Shore Club Turks and Caicos | January 2017
The $100 million resort will feature 106 ocean view suites and six luxury villas spanning over 820 feet of beachfront on Long Bay. The Shore Club comprises two luxury low-rise buildings with junior, one-, two- and three-bedroom furnished suites and two penthouses cast over nine pristine beachfront acres. The property boasts a 12,000 sq. ft. spa, three pools, four dining venues including a Peruvian-Japanese fine dining restaurant, and a spacious banquet space for groups and events. The beachfront Shore Club offers direct access to 2.5-mile Long Bay Beach and is a short 15-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport. It’s currently the first and only development on Long Bay, and geared to an active and wellness-inspired traveler. Standout features include a fire pit in the center of the colonnade pool, poolside cabanas, European-influenced design and yoga pavilion.
Hotel Californian | Santa Barbara, CA, May 2017
One of the most anticipated hotel openings in 2017 will be Santa Barbara’s Hotel Californian. Opening next summer, this stylish boutique resort is already grabbing the attention of locals, west coast residents and creating buzz. Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and a modern Moorish vibe, the waterfront resort will cater to the Hollywood elite, locals and international visitors alike. Originally built in 1925, this State Street seaside destination has been meticulously curated by developer Michael Rosenfeld featuring paseos, gardens, fountains and open plazas. Offering unparalleled amenities including a rooftop pool deck overlooking the coastline, together with a luxury Turkish-inspired spa, fashion boutique and casual dining options, the 121-room Hotel Californian is located adjacent to Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone and one block from Santa Barbara’s Union Station. Its ballrooms, event lawns and meeting spaces are ideal for weddings and group events. The decor of the hotel is by elite, A-list designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, embracing the Santa Barbara Style with unexpected details and thought-provoking art at every turn. Rates start at $550.
Hotel Theodore | Seattle, WA, July 2017
A local landmark will be reborn when Hotel Theodore opens in the heart of downtown Seattle. The 151-room hotel will be an urban escape, designed by Seattle-based Susan Marinello Interiors, that is engaged and integrated with Seattle’s vibrant creative and entrepreneurial community. In keeping with Provenance Hotels’ commitment to art and locality, Hotel Theodore will showcase a collection of works that pay tribute to Seattle’s pioneering spirit.
Adare Manor | Limerick, Ireland, September 2017
Adare Manor, one of Ireland’s most renowned resort hotels with a list of prestigious accolades nearly as long as its history, is undergoing a multi-phase transformation to restore the property to its century splendor. To maintain its commitment to providing guests with unrivalled facilities and services, Adare Manor closed its doors in January 2016 for an 18-month intermission. The expansion will include a new 42-bedroom wing, bringing the total room count to 104 guestrooms including the existing Manor House accommodations. An expansive ballroom will also be added, with capacity for 350 guests for weddings and special events. There will also be a complete redesign of the golf clubhouse by David Collins Studio London into a new restaurant called The Carriage House. In order to complement the significant improvements to the manor house world-renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio has been engaged to oversee a comprehensive redesign of the golf course, which when complete will take its place among the finest golf courses in Europe. In addition, the existing Manor House will enjoy a new state-of-the-art spa, pool and relaxation area, boardroom and cinema, while Adare Manor’s 800 acres of beautiful parkland, walled gardens and walking trails, will be enhanced for guest enjoyment.
Lido House | Newport Beach, CA, Fall 2017
Located next to Lido Marina Village at the gateway to the Balboa Peninsula, Lido House is a sophisticated celebration of the best of Newport Beach and will play an instrumental role in the renaissance of this integral center of Newport Beach’s rich history, striving to become an iconic landmark for the idyllic community. The property will be part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection. The four-story, 103,000-square-foot hotel is designed with a room mix of 130 guest rooms, including one presidential suite, several executive suites, and five custom designed two-story cottages. The hotel will offer a variety of amenities to accommodate the needs of guests, as well as local businesses and the community. The property will feature The Mayor’s Table, a full-service restaurant, along with Topside, the only rooftop bar in Newport Beach. Other amenities include 4,000 square feet of meeting rooms, a ballroom and events lawn, a saltwater pool with private cabanas and a brick monument fireplace, a high-end fitness center, and Boost Spa, designed with your optimal energy in mind. Lido House’s exterior amenities include an exterior courtyard along Newport Boulevard, which will feature a beachy, plank-style walkway and Ipe wood decking surrounding the celebrated ficus trees, which previously distinguished the former Newport Beach City Hall property.
The Woodlark | Portland, OR, Late 2017
Two iconic buildings are coming together in Portland create the Portland’s next iconic hotel destination. The Woodlark Building, a 1912 retail and office building in Portland, has begun construction to merge the adjacent buildings into one and reimagine them as The Woodlark—a sophisticated 151-room hotel that will embody the spirit of the new Northwest. The hotel will be home to the first restaurant from Top Chef alum and James Beard Rising Star Award-nominee, Doug Adams. The restaurant will be named, Bullard after the Texas town he grew up in. Like all Provenance Hotels, it will feature deeply-integrated art, the company’s signature pillow and spiritual menus, its much-lauded pet program as well as Sealy Black Label Napa mattresses, eco-friendly bath products and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Woodlark will also feature 2,500 sq. ft. of meeting space for receptions, casual get-togethers and meetings.
2017 NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Chewton Glen | Hampshire, UK, March 2017
The Kitchen is a brand new culinary complex by Chewton Glen an award winning storied Relais & Châteaux property. This multi-concept culinary space includes a twelve station cookery school launching in March 2017. Built from the old entry house to the Chewton grounds which stretch 130 acres, The Kitchen will encompass a contemporary mix of modern and quintessentially British cuisine. Driven by two culinary powerhouses, esteemed Chef Rob Cottam and TV Personality/UK Celebrity Chef James Martin, The Kitchen’s cookery school will be state of the art, with a curated culinary program (timed to seasons and holidays), a relaxed indoor/outdoor 40-seat restaurant showcasing niche local suppliers and home grown produce, tasting and demo area, open kitchen, bakery and produce garden. Planning for the garden at The Kitchen has been extensive, with a beautiful Victorian style greenhouse to meet all the requirement of the cookery school with herbs and vegetable grown year round for the ‘picked to plate’ home grown philosophy of the hotel. The property is also launching a Treetox Retreat, a unique detox experience high in the trees, in the property’s 12 Treehouse Suites nestled in the New Forest—the Treehouse Suites play a perfect setting to unwind and cleanse into the new year, boasting panoramic views of the New Forest in warm surroundings.
Adventures by Disney—Rhine Food & Wine River Cruise | October 21, 2017
Become immersed in the unique culinary history of Europe on Adventure by Disney’s Rhine Food & Wine River Cruise. A leader in guided group travel worldwide, Adventures by Disney offers a premier epicurean experience that has been masterfully crafted for guests to experience the best of Europe’s food and wine scene both on and off the ship. Disney Culinary Director John State and Master Sommelier Brian Koziol worked hand-in-hand with Adventures by Disney to masterfully craft a new eight-day, seven-night adventure through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Combining the award-winning service and luxury of AmaWaterways with the proven travel expertise of Adventures by Disney, this river cruise sailing offers a vacation experience that is all-inclusive and hassle-free. This adult-exclusive vacation sets sail from Basel, Switzerland on October 21, 2017. Bookings for the Adventures by Disney Rhine Food & Wine River Cruise are now open.
Westfield UTC | San Diego, CA, January & October 2017
Westfield UTC, San Diego’s leading shopping center, is gearing up to unveil a second phase of the ongoing expansion in October 2017 – a $585 million project that will increase the development by 395,000 square feet of retail space, making it the biggest single expansion since Westfield UTC opened their doors to the La Jolla public in 1977. The expansion brings an anticipated 90 new tenants; an 18,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor events center; and a fully-revamped, two-level Nordstrom. CBRE Group, Inc. will relocate their central San Diego office to occupy the entire 32,336 square-foot newly built third floor and enjoy various convenient amenities and services Westfield UTC has to offer. This winter, a five-level parking garage and a bimodal transit center for buses, which will eventually connect the mid-county trolley extension planned for 2021, will be completed. There are also plans for a high-end residential tower on the southwest portion of the property, which is slated to break ground in June 2017. The new Westfield UTC offers a relaxed, sophisticated outdoor, destination that celebrates the best of La Jolla in a true coastal resort setting.
2017 HOTEL RENOVATIONS
Cliveden House | Berkshire, UK, Late May 2017
Late May 2017 will see the five-star Relais & Châteaux country house hotel Cliveden House in Berkshire, England unveil its new spa. This latest addition to the luxury property will mark the final phase of its three year multi-million-dollar restoration and refurbishment. After years in the planning, the new spa renovation is now well underway and will see the space transformed into a world-class facility to match the beauty of Cliveden’s lush garden surroundings. The famous outdoor ‘Profumo Pool’ which is the only historically listed swimming pool in England will remain a focal point of the new tranquil and characterful ‘Garden Spa’. A cleverly concealed glazed walkway will bring hotel guests directly to the sanctuary of the spa, without having to venture outside. The new spa will also expand in size, with the treatment room capacity doubling to seven rooms with new relaxation areas. In addition, the spa will debut a fabulous new spa restaurant and lounge with views over the garden and the option of ‘al fresco’ service. Lastly the spa will have a new arrival and welcome reception area, indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms – plus a manicure and pedicure salon to complete the new world class spa at Cliveden House.
The Trident Hotel | Port Antonio, Jamaica, Ongoing unveilings throughout 2017
The Trident Hotel is an intimate luxury resort located in the elite, secluded destination of Port Antonio on the northeastern coast of Jamaica and nestled beachfront on a private beach amongst crystal waters. The property offers an unparalleled island experience with thirteen beachfront villas, each with spectacular views, private terrace and pool, original artwork and modernist design; a newly renovated fitness center and spa are set to open in 2017 with expanded wellness offerings, and enhancements made to the on-property Castle. Additionally, the property has two destination-inspired dining venues and an on-property bar, an Explorer’s Lounge featuring a curated selection of artwork and reading materials, and more. The Trident property has been named the TripAdvisor #1 Top Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean and #1 Small Hotel in the Caribbean. Additionally, GQ Style recently touted the location as the “Coolest Spot in Jamaica.”
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa | Sausalito, CA, Summer 2017
Nestled on the hillside in beautiful Sausalito, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa combines contemporary design with casual sophistication and bayside charm. Through a series of renovations, beginning in 2012, the hotel will reach a highly-anticipated completion in Summer 2017. Over the past four years the property has re-imagined its meeting spaces, hillside cottages and the property’s signature residence The Mansion (built in 1885 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places). All of which stayed true to the history and charm of the property, while weaving modern luxuries, enhanced design and cutting-edge technology throughout providing a boutique experience unique to this Bay Area retreat. Final updates will include the completion of the hotel’s contemporary rooms, interior courtyard, and arrival experience, including a brand-new lobby and reception social spaces. Casa Madrona offers a luxurious retreat, breathtaking views of sailboats in the harbor and the rolling hills beyond, as well as easy access to the area’s most spectacular attractions and wine country offerings.
Hotel Preston | Nashville, TN, Summer 2017
Going under extensive renovations this summer, Hotel Preston will have new rooms, a new lobby, a renovated restaurant and a chic backyard with a pool. Centrally located near Nashville International Airport, Hotel Preston boasts hip art-filled public spaces and operates on a “you want it, you got it” philosophy with chic rooms and customizable amenities that range from lava lamps to rubber duckies to pet fish. Easily accessible from both downtown Nashville and Opryland, Hotel Preston’s Café Isabella and Pink Slip are the ideal spots for a delicious bite or a lively evening of live music.
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C | 2017
A “AAA Five-Diamond Hotel,” proudly announces the complete refreshment of its 300 guest rooms and luxury suites that further enhances the guest experience. The design concept embraces the classic history of Washington, D.C. while breathing new life into the hotel’s aesthetics, fit for the city’s modern, international energy. The renewed guest rooms and luxury suites complete the multi-phase hotel renovation that began with the unveiling of the lobby and Quadrant Lounge, the re-design of its Club Lounge and the completion of its new meeting spaces and 10,500 square foot ballroom.
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island | Fernandina Beach, FL, Early 2017
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is unveiling a brand new Lobby Bar and Lounge in early 2017, and it’s inspired by bourbon legends around the world. The launch of The Lobby Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is paving the way into a rising culinary concept: one where extraordinary beverage programs become the forefront. Here, bourbon and rare spirits will be the main attraction. The Lobby Bar will feature small-batch spirits and craft cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned, and new traditions such as “First Call,” “Tableside Infusions,” and the “Legends Table” will make The Lobby Bar a communal hub where hotel guests can socialize throughout the day. The bar will also have a sushi bar component as well.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | Lake Geneva, Wis, July 2017
Set on 1,300 acres in the legendary southeastern Wisconsin community of Lake Geneva, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has announced the addition of 29 spacious, all-season villas. The villas will feature studio, one, two and three bedroom accommodations, each including a full kitchen, fireplace, flat screen TVs, washer and dryer and deluxe furnishings. Created by renovating several currently unused buildings adjacent to the WELL Spa® + Salon, the interior design of the villas will incorporate visual elements of the beautiful outdoors while providing a comfortable and upscale lodging. Villa guests will be able to enjoy all the amenities of the resort combined with their own outdoor swimming pool during the summer season, as well as six fire pits available for evening enjoyment and entertainment. Currently including 355 guest rooms at the expansive Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, and 225 suites at its sister-property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, the addition of the villas will off Grand Geneva guests more than 600 units combined by July 2017.
Harrah’s Resort Southern California | San Diego, CA, May & Winter 2017
As part of an ongoing $14 million expansion and renovation project, SoCal’s premier gaming destination Harrah’s Resort Southern California will unveil a world-class spa renovation in May 2017, and launch four new high-tech meeting rooms in winter 2017. The spa will undergo a complete overhaul and offer custom experiences for guests – from personalized spa treatments and salt baths, to access to salons and barbershops. Guests of The Spa will enjoy the ultimate relaxation experience with an elevated yet laidback vibe that is reflective of the essence of San Diego. The new meeting rooms will total 2,633 square feet, and will serve as an ideal location for business conferences and group events. These exciting renovations new additions including onsite brewery, SR76, a state-of-the-art fitness center and wellness rooms packed with healthy perks.
2017 TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY TRENDS
Let’s Luxplore: Adventurous experiences with a posh edge.
All over the world, outdoor travel experiences are undergoing a luxurious makeover. Helena Bay in Northland New Zealand is the embodiment of the luxploration trend given its isolated locale on the country’s private coastline. This luxury lodge lures the elite traveler with its pristine landscape, providing curated outings from seeking sacred landmarks with Maori tribal leaders to treasure-diving at Poor Knight’s Island. On the other side of the hemisphere, adventure elitists get the all-access pass to Port Ferdinand and Saint Peter’s Bay, luxury sister properties in Barbados where guests bypass immigration, diving head first into vacation mode via water taxi. Scuba and swim alongside majestic Hawksbill turtles on untouched beaches or pony up for private polo lessons at the bucolic Buttals Farm Polo Club. The haute high seas are just as enviable at the historic Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, nestled on the famed Sausalito hillside. Go starboard on the iconic bayfront—with San Francisco’s skyline as the stunning backdrop—during the hotel’s learn-to-sail program. In this day and age, the world is your filter and star shooter Aaron Chang doles out the insider tips for Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s Photography Tour, offering guests the chance to experience San Diego’s must-see attractions through the lens of an expert, evolving your Instagram and vacation video. For powder seekers looking to push boundaries, the Game Creek Chalet offers the inside track to the resort’s legendary Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. High above Vail Village, the secluded chalet boasts personal concierge service, private chef and Snowcat transportation. The secluded Four Seasons Resort Lanai and its new Adventure Center is luxploration 3.0. Ride horseback through elegantly rugged wooded trails, explore heritage sites on a UTV tour and discover 140 square miles of untouched terrain with creature comforts along the way. Sleek Airstream trailers nestled within the forests offer a respite and refreshments for guests. Set across 24 majestic acres on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, the Resort at Pedregal is a luxploration haven. New for 2017, the destination is teaming up with a roster of naturalists and pro adventurers to check off those bucket lists from swimming with whale sharks and snorkeling with sea-lions to surfing coveted breaks at the East Cape.
Bar None: Cocktails come out from behind the bar.
Classic bar carts are being revived with updated presentations at destinations around the globe. At The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, guests are buzzing about the Cafecito Cart, a Cuban-inspired amenity to perk up crowds for the nocturnal nightlife scene of South Beach. The cart, wheeled to languid guests at the Art Deco poolside, is equipped with all of the necessities to brew a fresh (and fuerte!) cup of café Cubano. Going up? W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills is taking the surprise-and-delight amenity to the next level—literally—with a bartender mixing signature complimentary drinks from STK LA and The Living Room in the hotel’s elevator, The Lift. Every Saturday, a personal bartender mixes libations from a sleek cocktail caddy (hashtag #SipNLift). Meanwhile VERGE Restaurant at Toll House Hotel in Los Gatos, Calif. is luring the brunch set with a progressive program where a roaming Bloody Mary and mimosa cart provides Insta-festive sips with custom condiments (think pickled beets and fennel shrub syrup). For the daredevil set, leave it to Marquis Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico to unveil the en fuego Café Mexicano nightcap cart. Served table-side, tequila is lit on fire and poured flaming—replete with daring tricks, flips and long-distance pours. The grand finale: two shots of espresso, brown sugar, Kahlua, a splash of grenadine and a dollop of whipped cream. ¡Salud!
Man Up: Going solo has renewed, sporty purpose.
In our experience economy, wanderlusting is more reinvigorated and robust than ever. Relais & Châteaux, an association of 550 hotels and restaurants around the world, is bringing the renaissance man back in 2017, proving a versatile craftsman can hone his skills on the road. There’s no place more nostalgic to discover sea legs than the Relais & Châteaux property Cliveden House in Berkshire, UK where sailing lessons are taught on the River Thames aboard a restored flotilla from the 1900’s. Meanwhile, it’s game on at Relais & Châteaux property The Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford, PA offering the country’s most prized bird hunting grounds and The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans keeps it real for adventurers with late-night bow fishing. Guests can have their catch flown home or complete the bayou-to-bistro experience by allowing top toques to prep your cat fish or alligator gar at M Bistro. In all of its Americana glory, The Restoration in Charleston, S.C. is revving up with The Open Road Project, allowing road warriors to dream up and design a fully-customized motorcycle, hand-built by the hotel’s in-house master craftsman. Once complete, guests can pick up their motorcycle from The Restoration and ride off into the sunset. Meanwhile, Mountain Trek in British Columbia offers the ultimate bragging rights for the bro set. With its ultra-personalized offerings and staff-to-guest ratio (4-1), the visually arresting lodge provides individually focused goals like dynamic boot camps and retreat vacations, providing full body and mind renewal—from recalibrating metabolism and stress management to high-octane fitness programs to recharge will power. South of the border, Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, offers an uphill battle for even the fittest runners and parkour enthusiasts, thanks to its location in the foothills of Mount Kuchumaa where hiking guides lead guests on daily challenges of advanced trails at varying altitudes. Food for thought: The property’s farm-to-table cooking school is a natural fit for week-long programming.
Inside Track: Hyper-local travel offers ultimate bragging rights.
The curated vacation is the pinnacle of the VIP stay. The new art-filled FOUND:RE Phoenix in Phoenix, Ariz. elevates the hotel as gallery experience with an in-house curator hosting intimate tours of the contemporary collection from Arizona-based artists displayed throughout the property and its powerful public art spaces. And similar to a gallery, all of the art is for sale should guests fall in love with any must-have pieces. Also in the culture club is The Betsy-South Beach, a luxury family-owned boutique hotel on Miami Beach, which recently unveiled a new Art Deco wing in December as a part of a massive property expansion. It has a dedicated PACE (Philanthropy, Arts, Culture, Education) program, shining a spotlight on Miami’s emerging music and arts talent who are center stage during intimate salons, workshops and performances. Triumph Hotels, a collection of seven historic hotels across Manhattan, allows guests to experience New York City like a local through complimentary walking tours in partnership with pedestrian-wise Streetwise. Pounding the pavement with an insider perspective, it allows guests to explore the city’s most coveted neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems along the way. Located in Amsterdam’s most fashionable district, Pulitzer Amsterdam recently underwent an extensive refurbishment of their 25 interlinked, 400-yr old canal houses. Designed by Creative Director Jacu Strauss, the property embellishes everything that is eclectic, colorful and quintessentially Dutch. Strauss developed an intricate shopping guide to Amsterdam’s fashionable streets, pinpointing the city’s most stylish and artisan hotspots. Grace Hotels, an exclusive, privately owned collection of luxury boutique hotels, has launched Bespoke By Grace designed to create inspired, curated journeys. Guests can immerse themselves in local culture with insider access from blending their own varietal at a boutique winery in Argentina or jaunting to a hidden picnic spot in Mykonos. Boasting one of the most exclusive addresses on London’s Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park, Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living is relaunching its year-long ‘At Home With’ series. Consider it the must-have invite to meet London’s esteemed personalities, including readings by famous authors, master classes with leading experts and intimate theatre previews with the stars. There’s Tulum, and then there’s the local’s-only Tulum, courtesy of Thompson Playa del Carmen and its partnership with adventure company Mexico Tropical. Expect swims in secret cenotes and lagoons, excursions to indigenous bee conservations and bar-none beachside tacos.
Beyond The Beach: Weddings say I do to summits, meadows & more.
In the game of nuptial one-up-manship, brides and grooms and traversing new terrain for wondrous backdrops. Nothing says fairy tale wedding quite like Adare Manor, set to reopen in September 2017 after an 18-month meticulous restoration, returning the hotel to its original splendor. Nestled on 840 acres of undulating Irish countryside dotted with ancient woodlands, it offers a stunning backdrop for a castle wedding. Located in the secluded destination of Port Antonio—dubbed the Jamaican Riviera—lies a decidedly different castle at The Trident Hotel. A high-drama backdrop for celebrations, The Trident Castle was originally built for Baroness Elizabeth Siglindy Stephan von Thyssen in the 1980’s set on 7 acres of pristine grounds, which includes a pool terrace overlooking the ocean, a private helipad and a chapel. At Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Ariz., couples can say I do amongst the greenest desert backdrop imaginable. The authentic dude ranch, set among towering cactus and horse-filled pastures, offers weddings at its Cactus View lawn, the scenic rooftop Rincon Terrace, or the historic Old Homestead, a remote and exclusive location overlooking the desert panorama. At Trapper’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Rocky Mountain nuptials take place among the aspen and pine trees at 9,500 feet. This luxury getaway on Beaver Creek Mountain includes an elegant log cabin that sleeps up to 10 with a cozy fireplace, Jacuzzi and magnificent mountain views. Rustic elegance is done right at the Rocky Mountain property, Timber Ridge, located at the summit of North Peak at Keystone. The airy lodge with cathedral ceilings and a two-story fireplace sets the stage for the reception, while picture-perfect ceremonies are held on the veranda with sweeping views of the Gore and Ten Mile Ranges. Set amid 20 acres of lush meadows of The Catskills, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter, NY is a historic 1960s property brought back to life and steeped in nostalgia, craftsmanship and local culinary offerings. Through the property’s cultural renaissance, Boho brides will find a creative oasis. In Texas, everything is big, including the farm-to-table destination weddings at The Inn at Dos Brisas, a romantic, luxury ranch providing a picturesque backdrop of tufted meadows and brilliantly manicured rose, herb and vegetable gardens.
Break Out: Meetings step outside conference walls for the new groupthink. Meetings take on new meaning this year with unexpected offerings. The Mayflower Grace, nestled in the idyllic town of Washington, CT, is a northeast spa destination that is bowling guests over with its latest zen programming. The 20,000-square-foot spa offers zen by way of Silent & Sound Therapy, where business travelers can let go of their day-to-day frenzy through the ancient sound of singing bowls. On the fitness front, Cirque du Soleil Fitness by JOYA arrives at Vidanta Rivera Maya for 2017. Inspired by the only Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico, creative breakouts will be doing back-flips. The workout is intended to keep fans fit year round with stretching, circuit training, and even entry-level acrobatics. Leave it to The Lodge at Vail to reimagine the R&R with its Restore + Rosé yoga class for groups, a 50-minute restorative yoga class and an après Namaste with Rosé and canapes from executive Chef Rudy Williams. Take the meeting to the next level at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with its elaborate indoor rock climbing wall. Featuring a dozen thrilling routes of all levels, it’s the safest way to ready your skills for the real deal adventures on the 1,300 legendary acres of natural wonder. In Southern California, Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, Calif. is a hub for the health-conscious traveler, tapping into the revered beach town’s fitness experts for surfside classes for creative breakouts including Boot Camp, Abs & Glutes and Tai-Chi. At the ART, a hotel in Downtown Denver, Colo., business guests get to paint the town, courtesy of a curated jogging tour of downtown’s vibrant public art scene, replete with a detailed map. Talk about smart food: Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is leading the farm-to-boardroom movement, tapping Hawaii’s native bounty for “brain food.” Bolstering those brainstorming sessions, Ka’ana Kitchen offers a nutrient-rich menu of local salmon, which improves focus, blueberries for memory and coconut oil, a vital nutrient for noggin function.
New Wave: Spa & Fitness are doing more than dipping a toe in 2017.
In the realm of wellness trends, clearly hotels aren’t afraid to get wet. The iconic Hotel del Coronado is making a serious splash with its Mermaid Fitness, a fashionable workout fusing strength training and water aerobics with vibrant day-glo mermaid tails.
In other mermaid news, The Mulia Spa in Bali, Indonesia plunges guests into oxygenated hot and cold pools for its Mulia Mermaid Detox Treatment, enlisting sea salt scrub, seaweed and essential oils to increase blood circulation and release tension. Meanwhile, the foot massage has never been so scenic than at the L’Apothecary Spa at L’Auberge de Sedona, one of the Southwest’s foremost luxury spas nestled on the banks of Oak Creek in Arizona’s Red Rock region. The immersive Feet in the Creek is conducted in the healing waters of Oak Creek where a breathtaking reflexology is performed alfresco. Aulani in Hawaii is chairman of the board when it comes to ocean fitness class, embracing all things paddleboard. Back east, the SUP trend continues at Gurney’s Montauk, situated on the Hampton’s most pristine stretch of oceanfront. In addition to its outdoor partnership with Paddle Diva in the peak season, the hotspot offers indoor paddle yoga in their seawater pool replete with panoramic Atlantic views. Washington School House, Park City’s most exclusive luxury boutique hotel encourages guests to go deep: as in 10,000-year-old crater deep. In the 90-plus-degree natural therapeutic pool, tiny effervescent bubbles of CO2 exfoliate and rejuvenate dry skin and the hot mineral water lowers blood pressure. It’s ideal for au naturel hot yoga or a soak—post-hike or snowshoe. For the ultimate recharge, Jumeirah Emirates Towers has recreated the Dead Sea submersion with its salt-water floatation tank at Talise Spa. This futuristic pool, which effectively creates the sensation of floating in mid-air, creates total relaxation, rejuvenating your body by improving circulation and providing essential nutrients.
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