Summer Vacation: Top Five New Hotels

It happened yet again. Before we found a free afternoon to shop for a new swimsuit, the summer has almost passed us by. We had so many plans: redesign the backyard, drop a few pounds, and indulge in a much-needed vacation. Clearly, we haven’t had time to read a travel magazine in peace, let alone book the perfect summer vacation. But don’t give up just yet. There is still plenty of time to get away before autumn calls you back for duty, and we’re here to help.

We San Diego locals love anything new; from hot new restaurants to the latest nightclub on the scene and everything in between. When we’re searching for the ultimate vacation destination, why not combine our passions for local discovery and exotic travel by visiting one of the top new hotels in the world? Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel & Leisure’s It List both rated the best new hotels of 2011, featuring incredible architectural masterpieces all across the globe. If a quick trip to South Africa isn’t exactly logical, opt for one of my top five picks, including do-able trendy boutique hotels in Hollywood, waterfront renovations in Hawaii and secluded luxury resorts in Mexico.

Vacation in style at our five favorite new hotels of 2011.

The Redbury in Hollywood, California

The latest hotel to the stars and destination star watchers, The Redbury offers an eclectic assortment of spacious apartment-style suites that are adorned with vintage-chic décor, warm colors and textured fabrics, and classic Hollywood memorabilia. When in LA, do as the LA locals do – obsess over celeb-centric culture and soak up the limelight. Rolling Stone magazine photographer Matthew Rolston is the hotel’s creative director, and he edged-up the 57 suites with antique turntables, rock posters, and framed photos of such icons as Hendrix and Monroe. The property is said to offer an unpretentious and engaging hospitality experience, appealing to a community that is passionate about the arts, music, fashion and entertainment. Outside the “flats” guests can chill in the hotel’s restaurant Cleo, Library Bar, or the outdoor courtyard Glade. The Redbury is the newest project from Sam Nazarian, Founder of sbe Hotel Collection, and is located at the convergence of Hollywood and Vine, across from Capitol Records. For more information, visit theredbury.com. (pictured)

Hotel Beaux Arts in Miami, Florida

In a thriving metropolitan city like Miami, there isn’t always prime real estate available for a new hotel. But, since when is that a problem? The incredibly posh and stylish Beaux Arts is a trendsetting “hotel within a hotel” that offers an entirely new experience within the well-known JW Marriott Marquis.  This ultra-modern hotel gives guests the assurance of total exclusivity, as well as an addictive menu of world-class amenities. Just a few on-site perks include a Jim McLean Golf School and Pro Shop, a 10,000 square-foot NBA approved basketball court, and a virtual bowling alley. Although located within the Marriott, Beaux Arts guests are welcomed through a private check-in, and escorted up to 44 contemporary suites, featuring Bang & Olufsen video and sound systems, 55" HD LCD TV’s, and personal iPad’s for room service requests and more. Outside the suites, dining and entertainment await at db Bistro Moderne Terrace and L’atelier Lounge. For more information, visit marriott.com.

Waikiki Edition in Honolulu, Hawaii

A welcomed modern renovation in tropical Waikiki, Edition is the latest project from Ian Schrager, and the first of a series of likeminded hotel transformations across the globe, in collaboration with Marriott Hotels. New York-based Yabu Pushelberg redesigned the property with nature-inspired contemporary décor and a soft, warm color scheme. New amenities include an oval lagoon lined with mosaic tiles, surrounded by a sand-and-pebble beach with hammocks and lounge chairs, as well as an outdoor movie theatre, holistic spa, swimming pool, and state-of-the-art gym. The property is modern in appeal without losing touch of deep Hawaii roots, and it pays homage to surfing culture through on-site surfboard art fixtures and monthly surf camps. Edition sits on the water’s edge, and many of the 353 rooms and suites boast stunning ocean views or yacht harbor views, as well as 46” LCD TV’s and plush bedding. In Hawaii, you must relax poolside with a cocktail in hand. Guests can enjoy the Lobby Bar, Bar at Sunrise Pool, Bar at Private Sunset Beach, or the CrazyBox. The restaurant must not be overlooked; Masaharu Morimoto, known for his frequent appearances on Iron Chef, created the hotel’s culinary experience, dubbed Morimoto Waikiki at Edition, serving seasonal Japanese and Hawaiian seafood. More Edition hotels coming soon include Istanbul, Barcelona, Mexico City, Miami Beach, and London. For more information, visit editionhotels.com. (pictured)

Hotel Yountville in Yountville, California

What was once the modest and rustic Yountville Inn is now the re-imagined Hotel Yountville, a fresh take on Napa Valley’s quaint French farmhouse vibe with an elegant atmosphere and upgraded amenities. Although the top perk remains the miles of vineyards and breathtaking scenery that surround the property, Hotel Yountville also offers a full-service Spa Acqua, Hopper Creek Kitchen restaurant, cypress-lined swimming pool, plush lounge areas with bubbling fountains, and 70 renovated rooms with bright, airy décor, private balconies, and Napa fieldstone gas fireplaces. Although contemporary in visual appeal, the property remains simple, intimate and low-tech, encouraging guests to focus solely on relaxation, until, that is, they wander off property to explore Napa Valley’s thriving culinary and winemaking region. For more information, visit hotelyountville.com.

Imanta Resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico

If vacation to you means escaping far, far away to a remote, tropical seascape where aqua-inspired activities and luxurious private suites are surrounded only by the plush, greenery of nature, the new Imanta Resort in Punta de Mita is for you. This stunning, intimate refuge is perched above the beach, boasting seven 2,500 square-foot villas all built with local Mexican stone, wood, and glass, featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead into large private pool terraces with cozy daybeds. If you ever tire of your pool suite, walk down to the white sand beach, or enjoy the resort’s many amenities, including outdoor cabana spa treatments, yoga, kayaking, surfing, golf, and horseback riding. Fuel your vacation with fresh, local cuisine prepared by the resort’s top chef in two on-site restaurants, or within your suite’s full kitchen by request. For more information, visit imantaresorts.com. (pictured main)

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