20 Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2020
It’s that time of year again…
I’ve spent the first few weeks of 2020 dreaming and planning for the year ahead, so of course, travel aspirations are on my mind. My love for great hotels is no secret and more often than not where I visit is decided on by the properties I want to experience. The best hotels capture your attention, transport you to a new world and are worth planning an entire trip around.
Last January, I kicked off the year writing about the 19 hotels and resorts I had my eye set on for 2019. It was one of my favorite articles I wrote all year, so I decided to start 2020 off on the same note. Last year I said I’d be thrilled to check-in to even one of the properties on the list, and that’s exactly what I did. In fact, we traveled all the way to Montenegro to stay at Aman Sveti Stefan and not only was our stay a travel highlight of 2019, but the resort landed on to my “Top 5 Properties Ever” list. So, this year’s goal is the same.
Below are the 20 hotels and resorts that I have my eye on for 2020. Some have been on my radar for awhile while some are new discoveries. Some have been around for a century or more, some are set to open this year. From a small lodge in Washington that will transport you back to the glory days of summer camp, to a stay fit for royalty at the Palace of Versailles, the list is diverse in locales, experiences and price range represented. While I’ll be thrilled to check-in to even one of these properties this year, this list has sparked my wanderlust and inspired my 2020 travel plans, as I hope it does yours!
Adare Manor
LIMERICK, IRELAND
I’m a sucker for a castle turned hotel (as most are, I’d venture to say!), but one that’s consistently ranked in the top resorts in the world undoubtedly has my attention. Adare Manor has been on my radar for a few years now, but after hearing the rave review my parents and in-laws gave after their recent stay, the hotel has bumped up on my list! Adare Manor was created to “delight, astonish and impress” while keeping the home’s legacy alive and Irish hospitality at the forefront of any stay. The property includes 840 acres of pristine parkland, a Michelin star restaurant, magnificent golf course and beautiful spa. And if all that weren’t enough, the location is hard to beat. Set in Limerick - the gateway to Southwest Ireland - Adare Manor is the ideal base from which to explore some of Ireland's most notable attractions such as breath-taking Cliffs of Moher, the stunning Dingle Penninsula and the 15th century Bunratty Castle.
The FIFE arms
BRAEMAR, SCOTLAND
In a similar vein, just one island over, is a Victorian coaching inn in the heart of Cairngorms National Park called The Fife Arms. Located in the small village of Braemar, Scotland, the hotel is rich is history, heritage and culture with a world-class art collection of over 16,000 pieces, including works by Picasso and Queen Victoria. Each public space and guest room is striking - a bold, eclectic mix of traditional Scottish tartan and contemporary design. And while you may find it hard to pull yourself away from the charming indoors, there is plenty to explore right on the hotel’s doorstep, from the dramatic landscape to Balmoral, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family.
Belmond Reid’s Palace
MADEIRA
I have yet to cross Portugal off my must-visit list, but when I do, my top priority is not Lisbon or Porto, but Madeira, the country’s tiny island 400 miles off the coast of Africa. Honestly, I don’t know much about Madeira, other than it is called “the floating garden” and is home to Belmond Reid’s Palace, a traditional grand European hotel situated on the island’s rugged coast overlooking the Atlantic. With three luxurious swimming pools and ocean access, it’s a perfect spot to soak up the sun and offers European comfort and flair set within a tropical climate.
Captain Whidbey
WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON
Ever wish you could revisit the glory days of summer camp? Well, according to Vogue, you can at Captain Whidbey, an early 1900’s vintage lodge on the Puget Sound in Washington. The property has been home to everything from a post office to a girl’s school before becoming an inn in the 1960s. In recent years, the lodge and cabins have been renovated with interiors that are highly curated and upscale without losing the property’s classic Northwest maritime character. Bicycles, rowboats, lawn games and a library are all you need to fill your quiet days, but there’s also plenty of adventure to be had, even upon arrival, as the recommended means of transportation are sea plane or ferry. If you’re looking for Pacific Northwest adventure, consider adding a few laid back days at Captain Whidbey.
Mezzatorre
ISCHIA, ITALY
Though I don’t see myself heading back to Italy this year, hypothetically if I were, Mezzatorre on the island of Ischia is where I’d go. Given my commonly held love for the Amalfi Coast, Ischia intrigues me as it is just west of Naples and offers a similar setting to the towns along the Amalfi Coast or Capri, just with less crowds. A win win! Home to natural thermal waters and set within 17 acres of pine wood forest, this historic watchtower turned boutique hotel offers guests a multitude of health and wellness opportunities, as well as seaside relaxation along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Pink parasols and cushions give the grounds a retro charm, and both restaurants have breathtaking views and plenty of the delicious food you travel to Italy for.
The Surfrider Malibu
MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Sunny California is always a good idea, and if you find yourself in Malibu in 2020, check-in to The Surfrider, a 1950s-era motel that’s been transformed into a modern California Beach House. Located on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, the boutique hotel leans into the rich heritage of California surf culture and has a relaxed coastal living vibe. Rooms come with private outdoor terraces perfect for watching surfers and admiring Malibu Pier, or if you want to be more social, head to the Roof Deck, private to guests only, for a round of drinks or farm-to-table meal.
The Moorings Village
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS
If your travels take you to the other coast, in The Florida Keys specifically, head to Islamorada, a small town midway between Miami and Key West, and stay at The Moorings Village, an 18-acre beachfront resort that’s home to a mere 18 private villas tucked away on the tropical estate. Hundreds of coconut palms, island-inspired decor and a private beach are just a few of the reasons The Moorings Village is considered the closest thing to owning your own villa on The Keys. Guests come here for peace and seclusion and that’s exactly what they get. The property also offers a tennis court, kayaks, yoga classes and lap pool.
Blackberry Mountain
WALLAND, TENNESSEE
Ever since moving to Nashville 6 years ago, I have been dying to stay at Blackberry Farm, one of the most celebrated small luxury hotels in the country, and while I am anxious for that day to arrive, I am now torn between it and its newly opened sister property, Blackberry Mountain, both located in Walland, Tennessee. The primary focus of the mountain is wellness, offering guests countless ways to escape, relax and enjoy the great outdoors with The Great Smoky Mountains as the property’s backdrop. Endless trails, a fitness camp, aerial yoga and rock climbing are just a few of the activities available, and fresh, seasonal cuisine served at the resort’s two restaurants fuel adventure-packed days. Accommodations range from beautifully designed ridge-top cabins and stone cottages, to multi-bedroom homes for larger parties.
GoldenEye
JAMAICA
In 1946, Ian Fleming, a then Commander in Her Majesty’s British Navy, discovered 15 acres of tropical overbrush for sale on Jamaica and not only created his dream villa, GoldenEye, on this land but also the world’s greatest spy, James Bond. That’s right! The private property where all 13 Bond novels were written is now a low-key boutique hotel where guests call private villas, cottages and beach huts home during their stay, some over a lagoon offering swim-in, swim-out access. The property offers everything you’d expect of a luxury Caribbean resort, as well as a treehouse spa with open-air treatment rooms, glass bottom boat excursions and extensive coral gardens in the waters surrounding the hotel, making it an ideal location for snorkelers. Creatives have flocked here for years, and it’s easy to see why!
Belmond Copacabana palace
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
A cosmopolitan way of life meets old-world glamour at Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro. Considered the crown jewel of one of the world’s most iconic beaches, this landmark hotel dating back to 1923 has been welcoming guests for nearly a century, and still offers the same enchantment it did when its doors first opened, plus all the modern amenities you’d expect. If you’re looking for a little calm in the midst of Rio’s urban jungle, this is the place to stay.
Hotel Les Roches Rouges
SAINT RAPHAEL, FRANCE
Southern France has been on my bucket list for many years, the region offering two different trips I want to experience: the over-the-top glamour found in Cannes and Saint Tropez, and the laid-back Provençal life found in the small villages dotting the countryside and coastline. If the latter sounds more your speed, consider a stay at Hotel Les Roches Rouges, a quaint boutique hotel cut into the rocky coastline where each room has a sea view and terrace. In addition, the hotel offers everything from a seawater pool, multiple restaurants and an open-air cinema, to a wide-range of activities such as yoga, cooking classes and sailing. More than anything, it’s the interior design of the hotel that caught my eye, a late-50’s modernist design mixed with touches of relaxed Riviera style - a combination that feels very classic yet cool.
Camp sarika by amangiri
CANYON POINT, UTAH
Amangiri has been on my bucket list for 3 or 4 years now (and it made last year’s list!) thanks to its stunning modern architecture set against the wild Utah landscape, and after staying at our first Aman property last summer and having an exceptional experience that turned me into a loyal Aman guest, I was excited to hear of Amangiri’s expansion, Camp Sarika. Opening in April 2020, the tented retreat is just a short drive or hike from the main property, but feels like a world all its own. The camp is small, with just 10 canvas-topped pavilions, each with a private plunge pool, and a common lounge and restaurant. During the day, guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding canyons, mesas and trails, and at night, gather around the campfire for storytelling sessions. It’s the ultimate place to disconnect and be at one with nature.
ARCTIC BATH HOTEL
SWEDISH LAPLAND
If your 2020 travel goals include an adventure to Lapland to see the Northern Lights, as mine do, book a room at Sweden’s newest “It Hotel”, Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa, which is set to open this February. This floating property is frozen into a river in northern Sweden and offers guests a unique, off-the-grid experience consisting of regional cold baths, ice fishing, and husky sled rides, as well as a world-class spa and beautiful, minimalist rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the outdoors in.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
After a four-year renovation, which had started before destructive Hurricane Irma struck, the British Virgin Islands’ most beloved resort, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, is reopened and welcoming guests back to one of the world’s finest beaches. With a fresh, airy design, the 80 guest rooms, including elevated Tree House Suites, come with furnished patios, rain showers and bay views. And while relaxation is front and center of any stay, if you’re looking for a bit of adventure, the island is home to some of the best dive sites in the world.
Sperry Chalet
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
If you’ve followed me for some time, you know that my heart belongs to my home state of Montana, specifically, Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. In recent years, I’ve been on a quest to discover new ways to enjoy Big Sky Country during my visits, and for 2020 my eyes are set on an overnight stay at Sperry Chalet in Glacier. During the destructive summer wildfires of 2017, this historic chalet dating back to 1913 was consumed, resulting in a heartbreaking lose for the national park. However, after a complete rebuild, Sperry Chalet is set to reopen this July. Accessible only by a strenuous hike or horseback, a stay at the chalet does not come easy, both from a transportation standpoint as well as actually booking a room (dates fill up almost instantly when they are released in January), but if you are fortunate enough to secure a stay, expect an experience similar to camping, but with three home-cooked meals a day and arguably the most magnificent views you will ever see.
BVLGARI RESORT BALI
Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin Uluwatu, Bali
To be honest, Bali is not high on my bucket-list, but after discovering Bulgari’s (an Italian luxury brand known for their jewelry and leather goods) cliffside retreat, the Indonesian island has risen a few spots. Seamlessly blending traditional Balinese design and fine Italian furnishings, the resort’s views are stunning, both inside and outside. The design is inspired by local Balinese temple architecture, creating an authentic feel to the property, but only come if you are looking for peace and seclusion on the private beach, as the resort is far removed from all other attractions.
VENTANA BIG SUR
BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
After our memorable glamping experience in Yellowstone last summer, camping’s luxurious counterpart is on my radar more than ever. More or less, glamping is just a way to connect with nature, which makes the location the most important factor in your decision making process. Enter Ventana Big Sur, a resort and glamping destination in the heart of the Redwoods along California’s rugged Pacific Coast. The property is home to a beautiful 5-star resort, but its decked out safari tents tucked away in the forest are what have my attention. With views of a 20-acre canyon, full access to the resort’s amenities and Big Sur at your doorstep, Ventana is the perfect mix of the great outdoors and laid-back luxury.
AIRELLES CHÂTEAU DE VERSAILLES
PALACE OF VERSAILLES, FRANCE
Starting this spring, travelers visiting the Palace of Versailles will have the unique opportunity to not only tour the world’s most opulent palace, but stay in it. The luxury French hotel brand, Airelles, is adding a regal address to their list of properties, becoming the first hotel ever on the grounds of Versailles with the privilege of taking over the historic Le Grand Contrôle, which will be made up of 14 suites and a bar, each designed with interiors reflective of the palace. Guests will be able to truly immerse themselves in the history of the era and will have behind-the-scenes access to Versailles and opportunities not afforded to the average visitor.
AMAN LE MELEZIN
COURCHEVEL 1850, FRANCE
South of Versailles, on the border of Switzerland, lies another glamorous French zipcode, the ski village of Courchevel 1850, where Aman has a ski-in, ski-out hotel you’ll have a hard time leaving to hit the slopes. Keeping on brand, the hotel boasts a minimalist design and high-quality architecture, with an alpine elegance found in the blonde wood and creamy textiles palette. Between ski butlers, on-site rentals and a spa focused on post-slope recovery, the property is centered around, of course, its guests enjoying a seamless ski trip in the heart of the world’s most extensive ski area, Les Trois Vallées.
HECKFIELD PLACE
HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
While countless properties catch my attention, each year there seems to be one or two that utterly captivate me and leave me searching for a way to visit as soon as possible, all from a single photo that showcases an interior design or architecture I have to experience for myself. Last year it was Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro, and this year it is Heckfield Place in Southern England. This Georgian family estate set on 400 secluded acres in Hampshire has been reimagined into a hotel where guests will be swept up into another time and place, all while feeling at home. The property’s two restaurants serve produce drawn from the Home Farm, the spa offers all-natural treatments and the gardens and woodlands are waiting to be discovered, but what I long to do is explore the home and its elegant interiors that have been reimagined with an unmistakably contemporary feel.
