December Openings & Renovations to Experience Now

Image courtesy of Castello di Vicarello

As we close out the year, there is a lot to look forward to. Some of my favorite hotels have introduced sparkly new features — restaurants and pools among them — or reopened after undergoing extensive renovations and expansions. Other properties have just popped up on the map, and will quickly become new favorites. From cozy raclette dinners in France to an eco-friendly hotel that looks like a tree, these are the properties I can’t wait to (re)visit.

The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel opens its doors in New York City

Image courtesy of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel

North America’s first Corinthia hotel opened in late October, under the design expertise of Martin Brudnizki. He’s crafted interiors for the likes of LVMH, Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, to name a few illustrious clients. Art abounds at The Surrey, courtesy of a fruitful collaboration with the Paris-based VISTO Gallery, whose tasteful collection centers on New York-focused pieces. Dine at Casa Tua, the hotel’s stylish Italian restaurant and members’ club, before retreating to your posh, handsome accommodations with a Euro-chic flair.

Our Perks:

• £75 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  

The Twenty Two comes to Manhattan

Images courtesy of The Twenty Two

Mark your calendar for January, when the famed British members’ club, The Twenty Two, comes to New York City — specifically, Manhattan’s Union Square neighborhood. It’s a restaurant, lounge, gathering space and exclusive boutique hotel, a paragon of the “art of lingering.” Once you arrive, you won’t need (or want) to leave. Do stay for dinner. The wildly talented team behind Raf’s and the Musket Room, beloved downtown culinary staples, are behind The Twenty Two’s exceptional restaurant. Save room for dessert.

Our Perks:

• Welcome amenities.
  

Renovations and openings at Jumby Bay Island

Images courtesy of Jumby Bay Island

As its name implies, Jumby Bay Island is its own private island, which belongs to the dual-island nation Antigua and Barbuda. In November, the resort débuted The Hut, Little Jumby, a beach club and restaurant that is itself located on another private island, this one between Jumby Bay proper and Antigua. Local fish, apéritifs and cookout favorites like cheeseburgers and barbecue lamb await. Back at the resort, expect newly renovated tennis courts and a multi-purpose basketball and pickleball court. Take a lesson with Davis Cup veteran Jerry Williams and wind down with a yoga class at the expanded Wellness Pavilion. 

Our Perks:

• £75 food / beverage or spa credit for 2+ nights, breakfast daily and access to the best room in the requisite category.
  

Raclette dinners come to Domaine de Primard

Image courtesy of Domaine de Primard

As if Domaine de Primard, an idyllic countryside escape a mere hour outside of Paris, could get any cozier, the agrotourism estate recently introduced raclette evenings every Friday and Saturday. You’ll first be welcomed by a cast-iron pot of fragrant mulled wine by the fire. Then dine on artisanal raclette accompanied by tender, perfectly salted potatoes, a leafy green salad and charcuterie. Finish the night with a selection of fruity Savoyard desserts and roasted, chartreuse-infused marshmallows.

Our Perks:

• Welcome amenities, one complimentary experience, one-way transfer, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  

New villa at Castello di Vicarello

Image courtesy of Victor Fitz for Castello di Vicarello

Castello di Vacarello, a family-owned 12th-century castle in Tuscany, is itself magical. Even more magical is its new Villa La Vedetta, a two-bedroom escape in the estate’s former watchtower. You’ll love the marble bathrooms outfitted with free-standing copper tubs and checkered floors. Have a chef cook you dinner in the storybook kitchen that opens out to a garden. While you wait to eat, wander around the villa’s private gardens, relax on the rooftop terrace or wade in the heated swimming pool. It’s the perfect amount of exclusivity, privacy and high-touch service you didn’t know you needed.

Our Perks:

• £75 hotel / resort credit, complimentary massages, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 
  

Renovations at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Images courtesy of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

Despite its recent $18 million renovation, L’Ermitage maintains its discreet, hushed luxury. The new on-site restaurant, Costa Cova Osteria, will serve coastal Italian favorites like homemade pasta, fresh seafood and show-stopping mains (whole-grilled branzino, perfectly cooked meats, herby cauliflower steak et.al.). As if you needed another reason to book your stay, L’Ermitage just débuted its brand-new rooftop pool. Even better, when you book with us, you’ll snag a complimentary fourth night. 

Our Perks:

• £75 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible. 
  

Populus Hotel opens in Denver

Image courtesy of Populus Hotel

Every detail of this newly opened Colorado hotel is intentional. Nature is the central theme here. The exterior resembles the knotted white wood of an aspen tree. Indeed, the entire building was composed using locally sourced, recycled or sustainable materials. The food and drink are just as thoughtfully sourced, and 100% of food waste is responsibly composted by the on-site biodigester. The entire hotel is stylish, modern and hip, with the type of clean, tastefully minimalist décor you’d expect from a hotel that prioritises and values sustainability so deeply.