The best new hotels and resorts to visit in 2021, from the new Cara Hotel in Los Angeles to Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and more.
Six Senses New York
The launch of Six Senses New York in 2021 will mark an exciting moment as the pioneering brand makes its foray into North America with its first-ever urban hotel in the United States. The property will be ideally situated directly on the High Line in The XI, a visionary development imagined by revered international architect Barke Ingels. Meaningful experiences will be one of the defining features of Six Senses New York, and immersive well-being and community driven programming will be at its core. The interiors were imagined by internationally renowned Parisian design firm Gilles & Boissier, who found inspiration in the hotel’s location perched on the High Line and overlooking the Hudson River. The hotel will encompass 10 floors in one of The XI’s remarkable twisting towers, which stand as the tallest in Chelsea. Six Senses New York will be the city’s only destination for wellness and connection at every level – from the design of the building and sense of community at the hotel, to the programming which will unite the traditional with the pioneering. Six Senses New York will also be home to a 45,000 square foot club designed for members and guests, that will include an 18,000 square foot spa, inclusive of a vibroacoustic meditation dome, modern bathhouse, advanced fitness facilities and more.
Cara Hotel - Los Angeles
Cara Hotel is newly opened, 60-room property inspired by the endless beauty afforded to the Golden State. Located in Los Feliz at the foothills of Griffith Park the property evokes a sense of comfort and warmth amidst thoughtful design and a deep engagement with the spirit of California. Originally built as a 1950s-era motel, Cara was meticulously transformed over 18 months with a complete redesign of both the interior and exterior spaces. The result is an open-air concept anchored by a central courtyard and serene outdoor reflecting pool. Guest rooms and public spaces featuring a neutral palette and handcrafted elements from local artists. Each room takes advantage of the Los Angeles sun and iconic Southern California landscape with breezy patios and private courtyard balconies meant to bring the outside in. The hotel strives to create meaningful connections over a shared meal through the inherent generosity of food at Cara Restaurant and Cara Bar & Coffee. Helmed by Executive Chef Michael Patria, Cara Restaurant invites guests and visitors to discover an elegant and restrained menu that highlights the property’s meaningful relationship with its local sustainable farms and the changing, bountiful seasons in California.
Camp Kasbah - Aspen
Camp Kasbah is a fantastical getaway set to debut in Aspen this January. Designed as a fortress of fun, where mystery and creativity meld to deliver a singularly captivating experience, the luxury retreat will introduce a sophisticated interpretation of the creative and carefree adventures of “summer camp.” The 14,000 square foot estate, designed by world-renowned Uruguayan architect, Horatio Ravazzani, is set on 15 breathtaking acres. Spanning seven bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and two fully-stocked wet bars, Camp Kasbah will welcome private groups of up to 14. Embracing a spirit of playfulness at the top of the magnificent terrain of Buttermilk Mountain, Camp Kasbah is the realization of a dream experience imagined by friends Mauri Waneka and Tess Ferguson, Founders of Native Design & Development, a Los Angeles development firm. Collaborating with artist and stylist Kelly Framel, they created a private world with its own rituals and rules – a place where “campers” are escorted on grand adventures, and endless imagination sets the stage for an arena of elegant enchantment. “Camp Rangers” will help guide stays at Camp Kasbah and assist Campers in creating meaningful and entirely unique experiences. Captivating Campers with a sense of wonder and playful mischief reminiscent of summer camp, Camp Kasbah will embody the outdoor spirit and adventure of Aspen. Imagined as a place to astonish and delight, to expand imaginations, and to tap into an innate sense of curiosity and the desire for connection, the richly layered experience uncovered at Camp Kasbah will offer a year-round getaway for friends and families alike.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a haven of serenity and wonder set amidst the dunes along the dramatic coastline of Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico, with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. Having opened at the end of 2019, Zadún is the fourth extraordinary property in the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio. Zadún unfolds over a vast and beautiful 20 acre landscape and the naturally contained and sprawling resort is the ultimate getaway for those seeking a true escape to revitalize the mind, body and soul. Its striking design celebrates the desert and the sea with 115 elegantly appointed suites, many of which have an individual pool and terrace, within 42 two-story villas placed gently along the natural slopes of the land. The property is home to the regions premier programming, including the innovative 30,000 square-foot Spa Alkemia four distinct culinary experiences, and Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment, which offers a deeper understanding of the natural habitats in Baja California. All guests enjoy the genuine care of a Tosoani, or private attendant. Meaning “dream watcher,” Tosoanis allow guests to enjoy a highly customizable stay. Nestled in a stretch of paradise, Zadún is an enchanting retreat delivering rare and unexpected experiences, where travelers are invited to reconnect with each other, with themselves and with nature.
Galleria Vik Milano, Italy
Galleria Vik Milano which first opened its doors in late 2019, is Vik Retreat’s brand’s first city retreat and debut in Europe. Ideally positioned within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, Galleria Vik Milano is a sanctuary of staggering beauty, with mesmerizing views onto the Galleria and its infamous bull. With its recent comprehensive redesign and renovation, the hotel unveiled remarkable interiors, highlighting artistry from the past and present to celebrate the history and culture of Milan. Upon entering the reception, guests are welcomed by Auguste Rodin’s famed bronze sculpture, The Thinker, in monumental scale as well an immersive dry fresco covering the ceiling and walls by Italian artist, Alex Folla. The strong architectural features of the hotel are reinforced with a focus on Italian artwork, in addition to an extensive collection of international art and a mix of curated contemporary, midcentury, vintage and antique furniture. Each corridor boasts a variety of impactful art, some fully covering the walls in a continuum of immersive paintings. Galleria Vik Milano features 89 rooms and suites singularly designed to showcase extraordinary art, décor, views and experiences. The suites are graced by many site-specific installations by Italian, Uruguayan and international artists. Several of the most stunning and spacious were completed this past winter and debuted for the first time this fall with the re-opening of Galleria Vik Milano.
