APRIL ‘23

A. Torrisi is once again making a name for itself in downtown Manhattan. With a nod back to the original restaurant Torrisi (which closed its doors in 2015), the legendary duo Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone have decided to revive the restaurant that started it all, yet in a new location. This time they have spared no expense on the menu, or the decor. Torrisi calls back to the time of doormen, martinis, and top notch service. While the menu is focused on Italian food, there are some international influences like a Vietnamese octopus dish, or chopped liver with Manischewitz. Be sure to snag a table early, as this place is hot and shows no signs of slowing down.

B. Habitas has had two noteworthy grand openings this year. Habitas San Miguel De Allende, which debuted in late December 2022, is nestled in the outskirts of the city. The emphasis here is on gaining peace of mind through connection to your natural, desert surroundings, whether through horseback riding, art workshops, yoga, or hot air ballooning. The second opening is Habitas on Hudson. Housed in a stunning Neo-Classical Manor house, the concept of this property is to disconnect from city life and experience the beautiful Hudson Valley as a playground for curious minds. At Habitas on Hudson, hike the magical mountains nearby, zen out in a meditation session, and end the day with live music performed by local musicians.

C. Kauai just got a serious upgrade with the opening of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. This offering from 1 Hotel is the peak of sustainable, beachfront luxury. With top-notch surfing nearby, a slew of local, charming towns to explore, as well as hiking, boating and snorkeling at your fingertips, guests at Hanalei Bay will get their fair share of adventure.  After a day of action, guests can kick back at the multiple pools on-site and book a session in the holistic Bamford Wellness Spa. Focusing on lifestyle and health, the hotel’s culinary offerings are fresh and locally sourced, served from 7 different food outlets including a juice bar and a shaved ice shop.

D. The iconic Mii Amo spa has undergone an exquisite makeover. This stunning wellness resort, which is nestled in the Boynton Canyon of Sedona, Arizona, has been providing guests with unforgettable wellness and meditation experiences for 22 years. Their new renovations include a full overhaul of the existing spa and rooms, plus the addition of new rooms, as well as a signature restaurant, a state of the art fitness and movement studio, new outdoor spaces, and an upgraded pool.

E. By transforming the once vacant Department of Education building into a luxury hotel, Capella Hotels has made its mark in the historic Sandstone Precinct of Sydney. Having only been open since March 15th, Capella Sydney has already been getting high praise from those who have stayed. Steps from the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, the hotel offers an unbeatable location. The interior walls are adorned with vibrant artwork, and the airy spaces are filled with thoughtfully-curated furniture that compliments the Edwardian Baroque building. The hotel offers 192 guest rooms and suites which span 8-floors, as well as three restaurants and indoor-outdoor bars. A highlight is the world-class health and spa facilities, housed in a former art gallery, which include a lap pool as well as a vitality pool.

F. For the traveler who likes to experience the extraordinary, Belmond has unveiled a new murder mystery train, aptly named “Dead on Time”, which will be running until December 2023. Aboard “The Pullman”, one of Britains most iconic trains, guests will be treated to a lavish 5-course meal. The real show starts when actors start moving about the train and speaking to guests, slowly unveiling the story of a murder. It's up to the guests to interview the actors to find out who did it. All of this excitement has the perfect back drop of the beautiful English countryside. Expect to eat, drink, and sleuth on this unique experience.

G. All roads lead to Rome, or in this case all roads lead to Six Senses Rome. Having opened in March, with a location in the heart of Rome, just steps away from the Pantheon, this hotel gives guests prime access to the city. The property offers many experiences that allow visitors to get a deeper sense of the city . Some, like the Tour of the Senses, which is a comprehensive tour of a day in the life of a Roman, provide guests with unique ways to explore Rome, while other experiences, like a visit to an ancient Roman bath house and a masterclass on the Aperitivo, give a glimpse into Roman traditions. The rooms take the concept of traditional Roman design and add a stunning modern interpretation. The property features an abundance of natural light, as well as beautiful greenery adorning the travertine limestone walls.

H. This month the well known luxury hotel brand Auberge assumed management of the stunning Domaine des Etangs. The 13th-century chateaux is located on 2,500 acres of idyllic preserved nature in France's Cognac Country. Guests can opt to stay in rooms or suites, or for a more intimate experience, they can choose one of six farmhouse cottages. A former mill on the property has been transformed into a wellness sanctuary featuring thermal baths, a floating tennis court, and a heated outdoor pool. The Domaine's 21,000 square foot organic farm provides fresh ingredients for its restaurant Dyades, as well as for peaceful picnics and barbecues on lawn.

I. Fans of the acclaimed shoe designer Christian Louboutin will want to check out his first ever hotel Vermelho, located in Portugal’s coastal town of Melides. Designed with a combination of Spanish and Alentejo design, the hotel reflects the surrounding coastline and culture. Part of the appeal of this hotel is that the town, Melides, is fairly untouched by tourists.  This leads guests to feel as though they have stumbled upon something only a select few know about. With only 13 rooms, this property is intimate, but each room is truly unique. From traditional Portuguese tiles to hand- painted walls by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias, each room feels special. The charming Restaurant Xian serves Portuguese delights on artisanal, Melides tableware, perfectly lit by candlelight to create a divinely memorable setting.

J. Just in time for summer Mallorca has two new exciting openings. Son Bunyola is Richard Branson’s newest opening, and is one you won’t want to miss out on. The property features three traditional Balearic villas as well as 26 rooms and suites, all within walking distance to the beach. The estate is also home to vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards. The equally stunning Grand Hotel Son Net is an oasis of the Mediterranean, created by the team behind Finca Cortesin. Inside the 17th century manor house the rooms are adorned with carved wood ceilings, antique fireplaces, and mosaic floors. Use this stunning property as as the home base for your outdoor adventures, including hiking through a UNESCO world heritage site, a private sailboat tour, or a stroll through the nearby vineyards.

K. La Fantasie will be opening its doors in June of 2023 in Paris's atmospheric Montmartre-Faubourg. Designer Martin Brudnizki has turned each room into a unique garden themed oasis, giving this hotel a wonderfully magical feel. The 63 rooms and 10 suites, which feature colors of the French countryside, center around a charming courtyard garden and provide a fantastical disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the Parisian streets. Dominique Crenn, the only female in the US to have been awarded 3 Michelin stars, returns to her home country of France to oversee the hotel’s culinary program, which is sure to delight.