Hotels I Have My Eye On For 2022
Each January I compile a list of standout hotels and resorts around the globe that I have my eyes set on for that year’s upcoming travel aspirations. When I began crafting the initial version of this year’s list in my mind, almost every property was going to be overseas - possibly subconsciously balancing 2021’s domestic-only list or simply because larger than life experiences in far-flung destinations are calling to me. Whatever the reason, once I put pen to paper, reality sank in. While I’m optimistically hopeful that international adventures are in store for me this year, I’m aware that restrictions and mandates can change at any moment. And even if they don’t, the hassle and uncertainties of testing to come back into the country aren’t always worth it. So, this final list lands somewhere in the middle, covering all corners of the U.S., Europe and Africa.
Below are the 15 hotels and resorts that I have my eye on for 2022. Some have been on my radar for awhile while some are new discoveries set to open in the coming months. From an inn on Newfoundland whose dramatic architecture can only be rivaled by its untamed backdrop, to a yet-to-be-opened elegant retreat on the fabled Italian island of Capri, 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 2022 travel plans, as I hope it does yours!
Craving more inspiration? Check out my 2021, 2020 and 2019 list of must-stay properties. Safe travels, friends!
cretan malia park
Crete, Greece
The Greek Isles kindled countless hours of wanderlust for me in 2021, and I have no doubt they will continue to do so in 2022. Many of the properties that I looked to book, such as Casa Cook on Rhodes or Mystique Hotel on dreamy Santorini, are adults-only, leaving me curious as to where families could stay without sacrificing high design and Greek authenticity. My search led me to discover Cretan Malia Park, a family-friendly property on Crete where the focus is on slow-paced living and eco-friendly sustainability, all wrapped in comfortable luxury. As a member of Design Hotels, every space of this beachfront resort, from the guest rooms to the multiple eateries, play off the earthy mood of the Mediterranean setting by “harmoniously blending the lush outside world within”. Spend your days leisurely lounging by the water or going on a wine tour while the kids dig in the organic garden or take a baking class at the Little Explorers Club. There’s also a “separate area exclusively reserved for teenagers” that features hammocks, table tennis, billiards, darts and an outdoor cinema. Cretan Malia Park beautifully balances a family-friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated lifestyle.
cheval blanc paris
Paris, France
Late last year I started daydreaming of spending time around the holidays in Paris, and before I knew it, I had an entire trip planned out (a very common practice for me!). The City of Lights is no stranger to five-star boutique hotels, but the city’s newest luxury property, Cheval Blanc Paris (which opened its doors in September 2021) is a force to be reckoned with. From the contemporary art-adorned lobby and the longest hotel pool in Europe, to panoramas of the Siene from nearly everyone of the 72 guest rooms, everything about Cheval Blanc is intended to impress. Perhaps most notable is the location. Situated beside Point Neuf, the city’s oldest bridge, the hotel is just steps from the Louvre Museum and a short walk to Notre-Dame. Next door, the “highly anticipated reopening of department store La Samaritaine has put this central Paris enclave on the hotlist” (if you watch Emily In Paris you know how dreamy this store is!). And while its Dior Spa, Michelin-starred chefs and dedicated guest Ambassadors may sound ostentatious, don’t be mistaken - Cheval Blanc is a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris.
greydon house
Nantucket, Massachusetts
For a New England experience carefully balancing history and modernity, Greydon House on Nantucket has my eye. And how could it not? The hand-painted Dutch and Moroccan tile walk-in showers alone are worth a closer look at this well-appointed property. Since the hotel opened its doors in 2016, its mission has been to immerse guests into the rich history of the island. Set in a “former sea captain’s house right off the wharf in town”, the owners “tapped into that rich history when conceiving of a narrative to guide the Greydon House interiors, imagining the life—and the dwelling—of a well-traveled whaling captain”. The result is a collection of memorable spaces thoughtfully outfitted in antiques and rich textiles. But the hotel’s authenticity extends beyond its four walls. The staff is committed to ensuring guests uncover “the lore of Nantucket and guide you off the beaten path to discover the island’s hidden treasures, which are often just beneath the surface”.
fogo island inn
Canada’s Atlantic Coast
Fogo Island Inn’s dramatic architecture set against the wild North Atlantic is a combination that can’t be ignored. Nestled within a tight-knit fishing community in remote Newfoundland, the inn is an outpost for true adventurers - those not intimidated by a trek and with deep respect for nature and culture. Once here, guests find relief from modern times, immersing themselves in a community atmosphere where hiking along craggy coastlines and stargazing fill peaceful days. “Each of the 29 rooms and suites is filled with unique local furnishings, modern luxury amenities and unspoiled views of the North Atlantic Ocean.” While a stay here comes with a hefty price tag, the inn is deeply committed to its own, reinvesting all of its proceeds back into the community “to help secure a sustainable and resilient future for Fogo Island”.
sparrows lodge
Palm Springs, California
Every year I think to myself, “This will be the spring I finally visit Palm Springs”. It has yet to happen, and maybe that’s a good thing. Here’s why… Until recently, visions of a long weekend in the desert included a stay at a retro-chic escape full of bold textiles and mid-century designs. Lately though, some of these over-the-top properties feel tired to me, which is why Sparrows Lodge, an intimate hideaway full of rustic charm, caught my attention. Built in 1952 by MGM actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta, the property has a storied history as a getaway for Hollywood elite. Completely restored in 2013, today the retreat features a modern rustic vibe in the 20 guest rooms, restaurant and shared spaces where you’ll experience an environment of ease and simplicity. “Enjoy long communal suppers in the garden twice a week, check out the vegetable patch, admire the extensive art collection in the main barn or help yourself to some free sangria and settle in by the firepit.” Now, this is a side of Palm Springs I’m anxious to explore.
hotel can ferrereta
Mallorca, Spain
Longing for slow summer days in a leisurely European destination, I have high hopes to visit Mallorca in 2022. Set in the Balearic Sea, this Spanish island is home to white sandy beaches, rural mountain villages, and an impressive list of enchanting retreats nestled amongst ancient olive groves. While it’s hard to choose between many of these incredible hotels, Hotel Can Ferrereta is a true gem. One of the most anticipated openings of 2021, the hotel is housed in a 17th-century mansion where contemporary design is beautifully balanced by rustic roots. Quiet days on property include lounging by the landscaped pool, strolling through magnificent gardens, and being pampered at the spa. “From Can Ferrereta, explore charming Santanyi, a little slice of authentic Mallorca on the south-east coast of the island. Wander down hidden alleyways before dropping into boutique shops. Sample Mallorcan delicacies at one of its twice-weekly markets. There are plenty of dreamy coves off the coast if you fancy a dip in the ocean. Or just watch the world go by from a courtyard café, soaking up the town’s golden light.” As with many of the standout hotels on Mallorca, Can Ferrereta is adults-only (14 years and up).
esme hotel
Miami Beach, Florida
Though just steps from Ocean Drive, the chic and historic Esmé Hotel feels worlds apart from the ostentatious resorts that call South Beach home. Tucked a few blocks back on Española Way, this quiet, Spanish-Mediterranean gem, which was once an artist village, “aims to recall the glory days of famous creative neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or the artists’ quarter of Montmartre, and there’s just a touch of a French accent to the rooms and suites, decorated as they are in saturated colors and careful compositions — if Paris were set on the Mediterranean, it might look a bit like this.” This dreamy design concept flows effortlessly through the collection of casas and public spaces, each with a story to tell. While the neighborhood is worth exploring - especially on a vintage-inspired Priority Bicycle, free for guests to use at their leisure - I imagine I’d be tempted to not leave the grounds, instead spending my days lingering amongst Esmé’s courtyards, rooftop pool, and multiple restaurants boasting atmospheres as vibrant as the flavors served.
savute elephant lodge
Botswana
As I mentioned at the top, a spirit of adventure and discovering far-flung destinations are shaping my. 2022 travel aspirations, and what’s more adventurous than an African safari?! I often turn to the passioned pioneers at Belmond for inspiration and direction on grand, once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, such as safaris, and while the company has three unique outposts in Botswana, Savute Elephant Lodge is the one that has caught my eye. Located in Chobe National Park - which aside from the area around the lodge, has been prohibited for humans for decades - the camp’s position is unrivaled. It’s the elephant capital of the world. The lodge “boasts 12 luxurious tented rooms, each raised on a wooden platform to allow a breathtaking view of elephants in their natural habitat”, so even when you’re not out on a game drive you have access to the action in the adjacent watering hole. By day, let the guides introduce you to the big five or the mighty Baobab trees, and by night, gather around the campfire and experience a traditional Boma ritual while tasting African specialties. Pair your stay at Savute Elephant Lodge with a few nights at the other Belmond Botswana properties, Khwai River Lodge and Eagle Island Lodge, for a well-rounded safari of diverse experiences and unique perspectives into the heart of Africa.
forestis
South Tyrol, Dolomites
In the midst of Italy’s rugged and slow-paced South Tyrol is a “boutique escape designed to help you switch off and immerse yourself in the regenerative power of nature” while promising front-row seats from each room of the sharp-toothed Dolomites. This is FORESTIS. A member of the Healing Hotels of The World, FORESTIS opened its doors Summer 2020 with sustainability, wellness and luxury at the resort’s core. Infusing alpine traditions with minimalist design, the sole purpose of FORESTIS dramatic yet simplistic architecture is to echo the property’s stunning surroundings. After waking up to floor-to-ceiling views of the Dolomites, guests can spend their days skiing in-and-out of the hotel, meditating under the forest canopy, biking or hiking the regions extensive trails, sweating in the sauna, and savoring dishes made from locally foraged ingredients while taking in the sunset from the “amphitheater-shaped restaurant where every table is in its owned curved little booth facing the mountains for maximum views”.
high hampton
Cashiers, North Carolina
Say hello to High Hampton. “Known for its luxuriously laidback sensibilities, the property has been a beloved destination for generations of summer gatherings, weekend getaways and storybook holidays. Classic resort charm has always been its hallmark, timeless family traditions have always been its signature and a picturesque, bark-sided inn has been, and always will be, its iconic centerpiece.” Over the past two years, this one-of-a-kind property in Cashiers, North Carolina has been reimagined for a new generation thanks to the team at acclaimed Blackberry Farm, who now own the property. With the Beall family at the helm, there’s no doubt you’re in for a noteworthy stay that checks all the boxes.
tourists
North Adams, Massachusetts
Over the past few years, there has been a revival in restoring the once great roadside motor lodges of the USA. In 2018, the Berkshire’s thriving art town of North Adams opened its own interpretation - TOURISTS, a motor-lodge-meets-mountain-retreat. Set on the banks of the Hoosic River, this roadside getaway is the perfect basecamp for exploring nearby trailheads or spending the day curled up in bed enjoying forest views from your room’s expansive windows. “Designed for the 21st century traveler, the 48-room property is a union of design and nature”, outfitted with blond-wood lodges, organic textiles, and vintage finds representing the American spirit of the property. In the summer months, take a dip in the heated saltwater pool before heading to dinner at Lodge, which has a cozy mountain chalet feel, and a nightcap at the cocktail bar, Airport Rooms.
hotel la palma
Capri, Italy
One of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2022 can be found on the fabled Italian island of Capri, as the island’s “first hotel, built in 1822, is currently being transformed into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite hotel”. Set to open its doors in April, the owners of the French Riviera legend, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, have conceived Hotel La Palma “for the modern traveller, as a unique, elegant Mediterranean retreat” located just steps from the famous Piazzetta. Each space of the property - from the rooftop restaurant, pool deck, and spa, to the high-fashion boutiques and beach club in the Marina Piccola - will invite guests to enter the dolce vita lifestyle that this region of Italy is famous for.
the inn at mattei’s tavern
Los Olivos, California
With my sights on a long weekend in the sun, minus the headache of testing to get back into the country, I started exploring every possible option from The Golden State to Miami Beach. Santa Barbara quickly became a top contender until a deep dive into the properties surrounding the coastal town lead me to discover the yet-to-be-opened Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, an Auberge Resort that has me contemplating postponing a trip to the area until it’s ready to welcome guests. Just north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, Mattei’s invites guests to “explore the region’s award-winning vineyards and admired horse ranches, then unwind in reimagined guestrooms and cottage-style accommodations nestled among acres of old-growth palm trees. Dine on the vibrant, seasonal flavors of the region in an open-air restaurant, or take a dip in the outdoor pool, followed by stories and s’mores gathered around a firepit.” It’s the “laid-back version of wine country luxury”. Currently set to open June 1, 2022.
castle hot springs
Morristown, Arizona
Drive seven miles down a dusty, unpaved road an hour north of Phoenix and you’ll be transported not only to Castle Hot Springs, but back in time, as a piece of Arizona history comes to life at this storied property. From a Native American place of healing, to the state’s first wellness resort which drew the attention of the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts, a Hollywood movie set in the ‘30s and a temporary rehabilitation clinic for wounded veterans in the ‘40s, Castle Hot Springs has lived many lives but its draw has always remained the same: a dip in the crystal-clear restorative waters. The resort finished an expansive restoration in 2019, offering guests luxurious stays in cozy cabins and bungalows uniquely outfitted with outdoor bathtubs, fireplaces and telescopes for stargazing. With a wide-range of complimentary and paid activities available to guests, fill your days with everything from scenic e-bike tours and hiking to spa treatments and a mixology class. Castle Hot Springs is a true oasis in the desert.
storfjord hotel
Norway
Last, but not least, is a forest hideaway where “Norwegian traditions meet modern design”. Set on a wooded hillside in Alpine Norway, Storfjord Hotel is a place where time slows down, inviting guests to leave behind hectic lifestyles and “take in the familiar scent of timber”. “Comprised of a cluster of classic Norwegian cabins, this boutique stay has mountain and fjord views, fireplaces galore and a refreshingly relaxed fine-dining restaurant (cosily called the Kitchen) that serves nightly four-course dinners. Explore the dramatic surrounds by day, then unwind in the ahh-inducing sauna and soak your cares away in the alfresco hot tub.” Norway is high on my bucket-list and when the time comes that I get to go, my itinerary will be booked around a few days at Storfjord.
