OPENINGS
The best new and recently reopened properties from around the world
Sandals Royal Curaçao Santa Barbara, Curacao, Dutch Caribbean
The last weekend in June marked the return of Carnival for Curacao, after a nearly three-year break, because of COVID. So, Sandals Resorts had a great idea and made that weekend their Grand Opening Weekend, headlined by Curaçaon talent demonstrating the tapestry of the island’s arts culture. The resort is set on 44 beachfront acres in a preserve, with 351 rooms and suites, the Kurason Island Poolside and the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows come with private pools, Tranquility Soaking Tubs and butler service. It is presumed that the butlers are themselves quite tranquil, this being the Caribbean. Eleven dining options offer a veritable, and quite literal, melting pot of global cuisine.
The resort’s tagline is “Where Amazing Comes Together.” I believe them – it is utterly amazing, and quite reassuring, that there is no fitness center!!
https://www.sandals.com/royal-curacao/
Moto Lodge Pendleton, OR, USA
With the growing interest in road trips you might want to make one just to visit Moto Lodge in Pendleton Oregon, located on the original Oregon Trail, known for, well at least locally, rodeo and whiskey, but globally for wool, pioneers and adventure seekers. Moto Lodge, a fully renovated 1950s motor-lodge motel, the latest in a growing trend, is a 40-room independent boutique hotel with all the desired amenities including a whiskey barrel sauna, dog washing stations, a pool and hot tub. It’s a respite from the open road for roadtrippers. Surrounded by cowboys, sweeping landscapes and the wide open road.
REOPENINGS
Joffrey Ballet School New York City, NY, USA
At long last, dancers have returned and can unmask while they plié and pirouette at Joffrey Ballet School. Tucked away in the heart of Greenwich Village, the school, founded in 1953, trains world class dancers who join companies around the world. Aside from the renowned pre-professional program, there are open adult classes where instructors still endeavor to coach and inspire.
~ Helen Mitsios
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge Tanzania
In April 2020 in Tanzania’s Western Corridor there was a flood. The andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge used this opportunity to make an extensive rebuild which reopened June 6, 2022. The ethos of sustainability was the key, using the original footprint with the least impact on the natural landscape. Guest suites were doubled in size with deep baths, indoor showers, outdoor decks with private plunge pools. Also, a new family suite with an extra bedroom, all suited to observe the resident wildlife and the Great Migration of this remote corner of the almost mythical Serengeti.
RECENTLY OPENED
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Cambodia
We’re a bit late, we know, but worth a mention nonetheless: the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh opened in April. Actually, the hotel officially opened in January 2021, but that was “poor timing” as smarter people than us like to say, and it was and is again being touted as one of the more exciting additions to the hospitality world. The hotel has 247 guestrooms which include 43 residential-style suites. There are just a few dining options, one of which is the Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, of course, with views of the Mekong River, the Royal Palace, and an outdoor pool and spa. Located in Doun Penh, Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district, it is the largest international hotel in the city.
“It’s been an extremely challenging couple of years for Cambodia, as it has been for countries everywhere,” says Herman Kemp, general manager. “But we regard the future with optimism and are ready to give our guests a flavor of what makes this city so special.”
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/hyatt-regency-phnom-penh/pnhrp
Conrad Chia Laguna, Sardinia
Sardinia is one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful, and often overlooked, islands, and now home of Hilton’s Conrad debut in Italy on June 1st. The hotel is located on the southernmost tip of the island, overlooking Chia Bay between the beaches of Monte Cogoni Beach and Dune Di Campana Beach — even the names sound romantic! The Chai is a protected habitat to wildlife and home to countless species of animals, birds and wild herbs. With 107 rooms all designed to give seclusion, ease and relaxation and spectacular views of every corner of the property, the resort offers something for families and couples.
The guest rooms are separated in two areas dedicated for each type of guest, with swimming pools, pathways and private gardens. Two restaurants, La Terrazza (with a terrace — duh!) and Sa Mesa set in an olive grove. And yes there is a Spa, on the rooftop!
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/olbclci-conrad-chia-laguna-sardinia/
