First thing’s first. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, a Joyous Kwanza. And last but not least, a Festivus, for the rest of us. Whatever you celebrate – or nothing at all – we wish you good health, happiness and time with your nearest and dearest this holiday season.
It’s been a beat — or to be more precise — 19 years, since Hanukkah and Christmas landed on the same day. It’s pretty darned special that people all over the world are celebrating something that’s meaningful to them today.
Speaking of meaningful events, this is our last Weekly of the year. It’s been real, 2024, with all it brought in travel, restaurants, recipes, and all the frivolities in between. So, to recap, we’ve picked the best new hotels that we know will be around for many more. And there were some real standouts.
The Hotel: Janu Tokyo
The Destination: Tokyo, Japan
Janu Tokyo opened in March as the first and only hotel within Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills. Its concept is all about socializing, and its community spaces reflect the philosophy, including one of the city’s largest gyms.
The Hotel: Six Senses Kyoto
The Destination: Kyoto, Japan
Six Senses Kyoto brings zen culture to city life. In the center of downtown Kyoto, folklore and history are embedded in the hotel’s design in the usual Six Senses fashion.
The Hotel: Raffles Jaipur
The Destination: Jaipur, India
Craftsmanship is in everything at Raffles Jaipur, from the woven rugs to the painted murals and wooden furniture. Local artisans preserve the magic of ancient Indian art forms with sprinklings of modern luxury.
The Hotel: One&Only Kéa Island
The Destination: Kéa Island, Greece
One&Only Kéa Island sits on the cliffside of the Cyclades famed Mediterranean beaches. The villas have their own private pools, and Athens is just a boat ride away.
The Hotel: The Fifth Avenue Hotel
The Destination: New York, New York
The Fifth Avenue Hotel brings back old-school New York City glamour with an eclectic maximalist vibe. Emerging and established artists’ works come together to create whimsical spaces — to party in. Now, the mansion is available for full booking for three nights, ballroom and all.
The Hotel: 1, Place Vendôme
The Destination: Paris, France
1, Place Vendôme is as exclusive as it gets. The historic private mansion has fifteen rooms and suites, each with a different crystal name and theme. Do you think you’d go for a moonstone or more of an aquamarine vibe?
The Hotel: The Emory
The Destination: London, United Kingdom
The Emory overlooks Hyde Park for those seeking peace during a city visit. The all-suite hotel also offers world-renowned spa services, winning awards, like the World’s Best Private Members Club Spa by World Spa Awards.
The Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
The Destination: London, United Kingdom
The Mandarin Oriental is chic and artsy. This boutique hotel draws the fashion crowd because of its proximity to culture and fashion hotspots. If you’re all about the aesthetic, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will likely inspire you.
The Hotel: The Peninsula
The Destination: London, United Kingdom
The Peninsula stays true to the heritage of its neighborhood. Its suites are open and spacious, with views of Kensington Gardens, reflecting the hotel’s respect for its surroundings. They also feature two Michelin-starred Brooklands by Claude Bosi for British Cuisine.
The Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor
The Destination: Port de Pollença, Mallorca
Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor has reimagined the space that once housed famous artists and elite visitors in the 1930s. The hotel keeps the glamor coming nearly a century later, bathed in golden tones to match the surrounding beaches.
The Hotel: The Twenty Two
The Destination: New York, New York
Set in a historic brownstone, The Twenty Two brings together the best of New York. The hotel also acts as a private members’ club and has a sultry ambiance that delivers. Art deco bars, candle-lit terraces, and museums galore make The Twenty Two your seductively enigmatic option.
The Hotel: The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel
The Destination: New York, New York
The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel is your NYC uptown spot. You’ll be next to Central Park in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Casa Tua has made its way to The Surrey, providing a restaurant, lounge, and club experience so that your hotel isn’t just where you go after a night out; it is your night out.
The Hotel: The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai
The Destination: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai is a grand hotel. Its surroundings are expansive, with a 620-acre nature reserve and two miles of beaches. A mid-Olympic-sized pool, ballroom, and the largest penthouse suite in North America make this stay a true luxury.
FAQs
Q: Does The Emory offer air transfers?
A: Yes, the hotel has partnered with Flexjet to provide limited helicopter transfers from your private jet. Did we mention they’re complimentary?
Q: What cuisine does The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai offer?
A: The hotel offers multiple takes on Mexican cuisine and seafood.
Q: What is the difference between Aman and its sister brand Janu?
A: Janu prioritizes “soulful connection” and sociability, whereas Aman’s focus is privacy and personalized service.
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