Three Top Hotels to Book Next, From Mexico to California
Every year, Condé Nast Traveler reveals its annual Hot List spotlighting the best new hotels, restaurants, and more around the world. In this edition, we highlight The Global Ambassador in Phoenix, Arizona, Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, California, and Maroma, A Belmond Hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Presented by Capital One.
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00:00Every year, Conde Nast Traveler releases its annual hot list,
00:04which celebrates the best hotel openings and more from around the world.
00:09Here, Phoenix, Arizona gets a hotel to match its reputation
00:13as one of America's most innovative cities.
00:16A Sonoma County Lodge is designed to attract a more sophisticated crowd,
00:21and a Riviera Maya icon draws on local inspiration in Mexico,
00:25all three of which are winners on this year's hot list.
00:30Phoenix and its neighbors may have their share of big resorts,
00:33but none of them nail the day to night quite like Global Ambassador,
00:38whose white brick exteriors is a welcome departure from the southwestern kitsch
00:42that's so expected in the area.
00:45The sprawling grounds, too, make it feel like a manor estate,
00:48all with those views of unmistakable Camelback Mountain.
00:52The hotel has so much to offer—pools, high design, and wellness—
00:58but we would say it's the food and beverage that really sets it apart,
01:02which is no surprise considering that the co-owner, Sam Fox,
01:06has opened around 150 restaurants all over the country.
01:10Even the sexy Lobby Bar has some cool hospitality tricks.
01:14Le Market does exceptional pastries and possibly the best coffee in town,
01:19while lobby-level Le Homme does breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
01:24A few standouts here include an elevated French onion dip and chips,
01:29and an on-point salad nicoise.
01:32The pool, itself a destination for its design and chic orange umbrellas,
01:37serves ceviche and tacos at the Mexican-Peruvian Pink Dolphin.
01:42But the showstopper is up high at the rooftop restaurant Tia.
01:46It has indoor and outdoor bars,
01:49offering phenomenal 360-degree views of the city.
01:53Make sure to order the Baked Feta and Phyllo.
01:57The rooms—there are 141 of them—are filled with actual good art,
02:02and a favorite touch is the wallpaper on the bathrooms.
02:08Think of Dawn Ranch as a true escape,
02:10all designed to let guests feel completely relaxed.
02:1422-acre grounds are filled with giant redwoods and apple orchards.
02:19The place itself, comprised of 81 cabins, cottages, and tents,
02:24and a history that goes back over 100 years,
02:27has a welcome, low-key summer camp vibe.
02:30The front desk provides you with picnic blankets and binoculars,
02:34and cabins don't have phones or TVs.
02:37Despite its century-old roots, all accommodations feel remarkably modern.
02:42And the designers of the new Dawn Ranch have done a terrific job
02:46in making the place feel comfortable, contemporary, and cozy.
02:51Cabins are quaint,
02:52with terraces to stare out at the redwoods and comfy queen beds.
02:57Cottages are larger, with lovely touches,
03:00including sage-green tiling in the living spaces and planked wood floors.
03:05Regardless of where you sleep,
03:07all are exactly the type of place you want to return to
03:10after a day of forest bathing and kayaking on the river.
03:14And if it's all feeling a little too much like the summer camp of your childhood,
03:18go spend some time in the lodge.
03:20This isn't your average camp mess hall.
03:23It's loaded with honey-hued wood, sofas, and a fireplace,
03:27and leans into the bounty of California's ingredients
03:31to create decidedly grown-up dishes like halibut crudo.
03:36There is plenty of sophistication across the Yucatan,
03:40where Belmond has reopened the beloved Maroma
03:43after a top-to-toe redo that focused on bringing much of the destination in.
03:49Mayan geometry informed the curvature of the stucco buildings,
03:53and local makers and artisans created much of the furnishings and details.
03:58Even the brand-new spa is centered around Mayan practices.
04:02Partnering with legacy French cosmetic brand Guerlain,
04:06the earthen-toned spa offers practices like traditional sound and healing rituals,
04:11and of course, a temezcal.
04:14Suites here are huge, some with more than one terrace and views out to the sea.
04:20Tempting as it may be, you won't be spending too much time in these rooms
04:25because the property itself has so much to offer.
04:29There are several dining outlets, and one of the most fun may be Bambuco,
04:34a poolside bar that manages to be both casual and extremely sexy,
04:39serving exceptional mezcal.
04:41Woodend by Curtis Stone is a showcase of seafood and meat
04:45prepared over an open fire.
04:48For something more casual, Freddy's Bar is beachside and open all day long.
04:53But Casa Mayor is where you'll want to go for upscale local dishes.
04:58From Mexican chef Daniel Camacho,
05:01a top hotel draws in the best of food, design, and comfort
05:06to become a destination all their own.
05:09Any hotel that you choose will guarantee a great vacation.
05:13And for more information on all these hotels, including what to pack,
05:17head to seantraveler.com.
05:20These Hot List tours are brought to you by Capital One.
05:24What's in your wallet?