One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
New year, new travel goals. As we kick off 2016, the sad realization that the holidays have come and gone sets in, which means one thing: time to plan your next vacation. And we’ve got good news for you: there are a LOT of unbelievable hotels and destinations to choose from, whether you are looking for a beach getaway, a ski vacay, a chance to explore a new city or a chance to relax. The first step is to recognize that vacation is an important part of living a balanced, fulfilled life. As Forbes reports, a recent report from Expedia showed that “American workers typically leave four full days of vacation on the table each year—averaging just 11 of the 15 days available to them. Multiply that by the 122 million full-time workers in the country and it works out to 500 million days left unused.” Perhaps this statistic proves that we, as a country, are dedicated to our jobs… or perhaps we need to get our acts together and plan our next trip.
Regardless of why we’re not taking time off, 2016 will be different. This will be the year you take a break, you take an adventure, and you’re going to do it at one of these amazing hotels. Here is your new go-to hotels list, with 12 of the hottest, nicest, most interesting and exciting hotel destinations that you need to check out in the coming year. Happy traveling!
1. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
There is a reason that celebrities frequent this gorgeous hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico…it’s because they get treated like celebrities, and you will too. Everything from the decor of each room to the views to the unparalleled service will take your breath away. The food is amazing, the hotel grounds are immaculate, and don’t even get us started on the spa services. It’s not cheap, but it’s the ultimate destination for beach lovers or anyone looking to indulge at an idyllic oasis.
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2. Four Seasons Resort, Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
If you’re a fan of the beach, but you also want to be active and adventurous then Costa Rica is the place for you. The hotel is situated on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, so you have gorgeous views and easy access to both the beach and the rainforest. There are tons of eco adventures available to you including hiking, bird watching, zip lining, surfing, snorkeling and more. And if you’re looking to relax, the spa will help you unwind in no time.
3. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
This iconic hotel on the California coast is the perfect blend of class and casual. It is gorgeous but not fancy, and you can’t beat the beach access. After all, when you’re in southern California, how can you not take a long walk or run along the boardwalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean?
4. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Colorado
Whether you like to ski in the winter or hike and bike in the summer, Beaver Creek is a family-friendly destination with tons of activities to choose from, and the Park Hyatt is located right in the heart of it all. The hotel is beautiful, but the views and location are really what take the cake as you’re situated right at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain–making any outdoor activities a no brainer. Plus the fire pit and daily s’mores are a nice perk for kids and adults alike.
5. Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport
This hotel is only open in the summer, which is exactly when you want to visit the adorable town of Kennebunkport, Maine. The resort boasts 36 cottages and 60 acres of land where you can explore everything from an organic farm, a Treehouse Spa, (yes it is actually built above ground like a tree house), a nature trail, fitness center and more. There is arts and crafts, yoga, bonfires, biking and hiking…and if you’re thinking this sounds like summer camp, you’re right. Think of it as a fantasy summer camp for adults and families. Aka, heaven.
6. The Palazzo, Las Vegas
Las Vegas is clearly a place to indulge, let loose and have fun. But it can also be a place to relax if you visit The Palazzo, which boasts both a casino, tons of restaurants and shopping, as well as a Canyon Ranch Spa.
7. The Greenwich Hotel, New York
Not all New York City hotels are created equal. Some can be stuffy, old and even a little unwelcoming. But not The Greenwich Hotel, which is a boutique hotel located in downtown NYC. This hotel feels like home, and offers a drawing room and courtyard, beautiful spa and gym, and is home to one of our all-time favorite New York restaurants, Locande Verde. It’s also perfectly situated to help you explore Tribeca, Greenwich Village and beyond, and there is no shortage of sites, shops, restaurants and parks to enjoy in that hood.
8. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris
The Hôtel Plaza Athénée is not exactly a new hotel on any top destination lists, but it’s been recently redone, so now this distinguished Parisian hotel is both classic and fresh. The blooming flowers and red awnings are iconic, as are the views of the Eiffel Tower (a must-see for any tourist).
9. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
What happens when a luxury hotel meets a rustic desert setting? You get the Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah, which is nested in the canyons of the American Southwest. This understated (but totally gorgeous and upscale) hotel is perfect if you’re looking for an adventure—hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and more are all available to resort guests. There are only 34 rooms located on 600 acres of land surrounded by the Grand Canyon, so, it costs a pretty penny, but you’ll be completely spoiled by the views and service.
10. Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, London, England
Japanese celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa has become a pro when it comes to modern, minimalist yet upscale Japanese design and cuisine. And now he’s using those skills to open the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch, which is scheduled to open in London in the second half of 2016. If they serve Nobu’s famous rock shrimp tempura and boast the same chic decor, we’re there.
11. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Sleeping in a hut has never been so luxurious and special. This hotel—with its famous overwater bungalows that sit in the turquoise water lagoon—is gorgeous and features glass floor panels in rooms so you can watch the tropical fish swimming below you. Talk about a unique hotel experience.
12. Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
This luxury all-inclusive hotel located in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is unlike any other hotel experience. The hotel features award winning architecture and gorgeous design, but the views are really the draw of this beautiful hotel at the southernmost part of Chile. You’ll wake up to glaciers, mountains, turquoise blue lakes and more. The food is healthy, fresh and delicious, and the entire staff is dedicated to preparing you for the many explorations available during your stay, including horseback riding excursions, wilderness hikes and more.
