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3 Exciting New Hotels To Visit In 2023

Every year, Condé Nast Traveler reveals its annual Hot List spotlighting the best new hotels, restaurants, and more around the world. In our second roundup of 2023 we’re visiting 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the north shore of Kaua’i, then heading to Ulysses in Baltimore, Maryland before finishing up out west for a wellness retreat at Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage, California.

Released on 05/31/2023

Transcript

[Narrator] Every year, Conde Nast Traveler

reveals its annual Hot List,

which spotlights the best new hotels, restaurants,

and more around the world.

Here, Kaua'i's first high-end wellness resort

a design darling in Baltimore, and a new restorative retreat

in the desert outside of Palm Springs

are three of the standout properties

on this year's Hot List.

Welcome to the lush north shore of Kaua'i,

and the 1 hotel Hanalei Bay.

The brand's commitment to sustainability shines through

in almost every detail,

from the open air and indoor/outdoor design,

to the use of reclaimed wood

and local materials throughout the hotel.

This is Hawaii, so it's all about getting outdoors.

The main pool, ringed with plenty of loungers

and thatch umbrellas, is a great place

to set up with the whole family.

Wherever you lay your towel,

you'll have easy access to cold drinks and craft cocktails

as well as tasty, low-fuss lunch options,

like Kampachi Crudo and fresh-catch ceviche,

exactly the type of dishes you want when it's warm out.

The hotel's wellness offerings will lure

even the most diehard beach and pool people indoors.

But the crown jewel is the sprawling Bamford Wellness Spa.

This outpost of the beloved UK-based brand

has 18 treatment rooms and a long spa menu.

Guest rooms keep the serenity going

with a soothing color palette and plenty of potted plants.

And of course, the views over the iconic Hanalei Bay

let you know exactly where you are: paradise.

Next stop is Baltimore, Maryland, the Charm City.

One look at the stunning Ulysses,

housed in the historic Latrobe building,

and it's easy to see how the city got its nickname.

At Ulysses, every detail is methodically considered,

with elaborate mosaics, marble plinths,

and an overall riotous explosion of colors,

patterns, and textures.

The high drama continues at Ash Bar,

the hotel's only dining venue.

Its polished surfaces, potted palms,

wicker and leather furniture conjure up

a 1930s transatlantic crossing on a luxury ocean liner.

Ash Bar has a breakfast, lunch, aperativo, and dinner menu

with a number of standout dishes,

including a bagel and gravlax plate,

decadent potatoes fried in duck fat

and topped with creme fresh and trout row,

and deliciously briny oysters of the day.

At the hotel's buzzy bar, Blooms,

the throwback feel is equally strong,

with a mirrored bar and ceilings and rose red banquettes

and magenta velvet bar stools.

A transported decor and delicious craft cocktails

has made Blooms the spot to be in Baltimore

on a Friday night.

Guest rooms are a bit more subdued, but don't worry,

there's no shortage of interesting patterns and textures,

as well as playful nods to Baltimore's unique history,

like the suite bed covers

that reference the area's strong quilting tradition.

Every room feels a little different,

with the bathrooms feeling particularly eclectic

in terms of tile color and material choices.

A stay at Ulysses is a masterclass in attention to detail

and a total re-imagining of what hotel design can be.

Touchdown in sunny southern California.

Located in Rancho Mirage just outside of Palm Springs

and tucked into the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains,

Sensei Porcupine Creek is a true desert oasis.

The heart of the Sensei Porcupine Creek

is the stunning estate house.

With soaring ceilings, a soothing white-on-white pallet,

and lots of blonde wood,

it's more a sanctuary than a traditional lobby.

It doesn't get more restful

than setting up by the glamorous lagoon-style pool,

shaded by palm trees and surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Unless, of course, you're headed to the spa,

where you'll find a substantial list of treatments,

including Sensei-developed thermal body mapping.

When it's time to move, guests have countless options,

including strength training and yoga classes,

tennis lessons on one of the three world-class courts,

or perhaps a round of golf

on the beautifully-designed 18-hole course.

Nourishment comes via a collaboration

with renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Dishes are light, tasty, and beautifully presented,

like the gently-seared tuna with farmer's market greens.

There are just 22 guest spaces,

which adds to the intimate, bespoke feel of the retreat.

The one-bedroom estate rooms

and free-standing casitas are spacious,

flooded with natural light, and have outdoor spaces

for taking in the desert vistas.

For the ultimate indulgence,

check in to one of the two or four bedroom villas.

The wooden soaking tubs in the bathroom

are the cherry on top.

At Sensei Porcupine Creek,

taking care of yourself has never felt so good.

A great hotel draws in the best of food, design,

and comfort, and is the foundation of an amazing trip.

Learn more about these and other Hot List hotels now

on Conde Nast Travelers' Hot List Hub,

brought to you by Capital One.

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