As summer approaches, the luxury travel world is heating up, too: an urban glamping experience debuts in Chicago, Lake Como gets its first five-star hotel, and more.
Courtesy Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Rosewood Hotel Georgia Launches Heli Wine Tours
Vancouver’s iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia has partnered with SKY Helicopters to offer a new two-night package that explores the Okanagan wine region. The Ultimate Wine Tour package includes accommodations in a suite, plus in-room breakfast and dinner at the property's award-winning Hawksworth restaurant. A helicopter will whisk guests through the Coast Mountains to central British Columbia’s wine country, where they will tour and taste at Painted Rock Estate and Culmina Family Estate. A five-course wine-paired lunch awaits at Liquidity Winery. Rates starting from $13,500 (based on a Junior One Bedroom Suite); available from June 1 - September 30.
Photos: Courtesy Hotel Chaco (L); Romain Etienne (R)
Albuquerque’s Sawmill District Welcomes New Art and Tech Playground
The up-and-coming Sawmill District in Albuquerque has introduced a new immersive art and technology attraction called XYZT: Abstract Landscapes. This highly interactive show offers an exploratory physical experience through 10 digital installations: Visitors can walk on floors that react to footsteps and manipulate light particles with a digital cube. Part of a traveling exhibit from Washington, D.C.-based ARTECHOUSE, “XYZT” will remain through the end of October in Albuquerque, the only Southwest stop on the U.S. tour. For the duration of the installation, Hotel Chaco, which anchors the walkable district, will offer a See Sawmill package that includes admission for two to the exhibit, a cocktail on the hotel rooftop, and discounted shopping at Spur Line Supply Co., a new Sawmill District concept store. See Sawmill package from $259.
Collin Pierson/Courtesy The Gwen
An Urban Glamping Experience in Chicago
Guests of the Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, can get a taste of the great outdoors this summer without having to rough it: The hotel has set up a 16-foot tent on the enormous private terrace of its Gwen Lux suite. Perched on the 16th floor of the landmark McGraw-Hill building, the terrace covers over 1,000 square feet, making it one of Chicago’s largest private outdoor terraces. The tent itself has a Bohemian aesthetic, decorated with hand-knotted macramé seat cushions, Indian jute rugs, quatrefoil lanterns, and a queen-size Black Pearl bed. A new glamping package includes access to the two-bedroom suite, s’mores turndown service, round-trip airport transportation, and access to the hotel’s Elite Ambassador service. Available through September 30; rates from $5,500 per night.
Chase Daniel
The LINE Opens Its Third Hotel in Austin June 4
The Sydell Group has transformed an iconic mid-century modern building in Austin into its third LINE hotel. Supporting the work of emerging artists in the cities where its hotels live is a staple of Sydell’s design ethos, and the LINE Austin is no exception: Its 428 rooms feature original artwork by Central Texas artists selected in partnership with local arts non-profit Big Medium. The hotel also has a dedicated artists' studio and is developing a residency program. There’s already buzz about Arlo Grey, the lakeside restaurant helmed by Top Chef winner Kristen Kish. And in the lobby, an outpost of Los Angeles-based Alfred will offer coffee and tea as well as food to take away. Later in the year, the hotel will debut a rooftop lounge and casual burger joint. From $275.
Helenio Barbetta
Vista Palazzo Lago di Como Opens June 6
Lake Como has no shortage of lavish vacation villas, but this month, Italy’s storied summertime retreat gets its first five-star hotel with the opening of Vista Palazzo Lago di Como. The 18-room hotel is located in the heart of Como on the city’s waterfront Piazza Cavour and is the result of an 18-month renovation of a 19th-century Venetian-style palazzo. Residential-style rooms and suites feature large Italian marble-clad bathrooms with soaking tubs, Dedar fabrics, and intricately patterned wood floors. Guests will be able to take advantage of services arranged by a personal concierge, including spa treatments, workouts with a personal trainer, and meals prepared by a private chef. The penthouse floor is dedicated to a guests-only Italian restaurant, bar and a library, all with lovely lake views. From $805.