Skip to main content

A RESORT ROUND-UP FOR IMPROMPTU GETAWAYS THIS SEASON

With the incredible number of new luxury resorts popping up around the globe, it’s a great excuse to take a last-minute summer vacation. Here are some gorgeous properties to inspire your travel plans. The hardest part is figuring out which one to visit first. Happy trails.

Stanly Ranch

Rich and I love stealing away to California wine country, so I’m thrilled Auberge Resorts opened another property there just south of downtown Napa. Sprawling across 712 acres, Stanly Ranch is a modernist’s vision of a vineyard and farm. Guests stay in 78 luxury cottages, all of which feature patios with fire pits, and some of which add outdoor showers. Laze about the Lavender Pool ringed with its namesake fragrant plant, spend the day at Halehouse spa (heaven!), and dine on bison tartare, cedar-roasted trout and apricot sorbet at Bear. Upcoming wellness events include the Harvest Sound Bath Workshop on September 10, and locally based Bare Health & Fitness’s retreat from September 24-25.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth

Stunning visitors since the Eighties, Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth relaunched after a major renovation designed by David M. Schwarz Architects and Miami’s own Luis Pons Design Lab. The location—an 18-acre, private peninsula straddling Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac beach and lagoon, can’t be beat. The quiet oasis features nearly 70 suites and rooms, where guests have everything out their door from dual swimming pools to Sense spa to an impeccable championship tennis court with a pro on call. After a day of exploring the island, snorkeling, sailing and shopping at resort boutique PomPom Paris, relax at Beach House St. Barth restaurant. Dishes focus on surf ’n’ turf, as well as Italian and French classics including a massive chocolate mousse to share.

I appreciate how each Aman property is breathtakingly unique, yet the brand’s distinct voice links them all together. Patrons have been flocking to Wyoming’s Amangani and Utah’s Amangiri for years, and naturally, I can’t wait for Aman Miami Beach to open in 2024. In the meantime, check in to the recently opened Aman New York, especially during September’s many art and fashion events. Located in the historic Crown Building, Aman carved out 83 suites, a trilevel spa and multiple dining choices including Arva for Italian; Nama, an intimate omakase bar, and the 14th floor’s wraparound terrace with year-round service and dazzling views. Aman fans are also excited about a couple “firsts” for the brand here: private residences and members-only Aman Club.

Nobu Hospitality

Nobu Hospitality just announced its 30th hotel worldwide and sixth hotel partnership with RCD Hotels, the first of their collaborations being Nobu Hotel Miami Beach in 2016. Set to open in Tulum, Mexico, the 200-room/suite/villa will also boast 50 beachside residences, Nobu restaurant and a wellness center. Until then, visit Nobu’s inaugural hotel and restaurant in Greece. Perched atop Santorini for maximum views, its 25-rooms/suites/villas feature chic minimalist décor that bridges the brand’s Japanese aesthetic and the region’s traditional design. Hit the nearby Oia to Fira trail to get a good look at a volcano, and book a massage, among in-room spa services, for sore muscles. In addition to Tulum, other pending destinations are Orlando, Fla., Punta Cana in the D.R., Vietnam and Spain (Madrid and San Sebastian). One can now arrange private jet transportation between Nobu Ryokan Malibu and Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, a perk to delight devotees.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains’ foothills, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe’s 65-casita retreat celebrates its serene natural setting. Along with deliciously decadent treatments like the Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, its spa offers interesting wellness outings such as the Equus Experience’s healing power of horses and Journey to Abiquiu’s combination of a smudging ceremony, meditation and hike to Plaza Blanca, whose dramatic hoodoos are forever captured in the paintings of the state’s most famous artist-in-residence Georgia O’Keeffe. The Adventure Center also arranges outdoor activities including fly fishing, hot air balloon rides and whitewater rafting. E-bike tours are available to visit Pacheco Canyon, a supervolcano and other natural attractions. A new complimentary art concierge customizes cultural itineraries to attend the Santa Fe Opera and explore the city’s signature gallery scene. At Terra, guests can try regional cuisine, cowboy steak dinners and the Spanish chef’s native cuisine including  paella at his cooking classes on Wednesdays.

The Ritz-Carlton, Maui, Kapalua

From the moment guests enter The Ritz-Carlton, Maui, Kapalua’s new lobby lanai adorned with Hawaiian heritage and overlooking Honokahua Bay, they understand the level of detail that went into the property’s $100-million makeover. Among 466 rooms and suites, the Fire Lanai Collection’s indoor/outdoor accommodations with extended lanais, hammocks and fire pits to roast a tropical twist on s’mores debut in November. The 10,000-square-foot pool area has been broken up into three zero-edge pools with waterfalls. The concept hails from Maui’s Makaluapuna Point, whose lava rock formations are said to resemble dragon teeth. New luxury cabanas for up to eight guests come with personal attendants, high-tech touches and treats. Numerous restaurants keep foodies busy, while golfers will want to tee off at Kapalua Resort’s Plantation Course, home of the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions from January 4-8, 2023. (The Ritz-Carlton occupies 54 acres within the 22,000-acre Kapalua Resort.) Take advantage of its Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of Environment program, too; it’s one of only six Ritz-Carltons worldwide to offer these all-ages, eco excursions from snorkeling to coastal walks.