This week, Tel Aviv’s historic Drisco Hotel reopens after close to a decade of renovations, Mekong Kingdoms launches an exclusive river cruise, and the six-day Grand Touring Experience offers the ultimate road trip for car enthusiasts.
Rosewood Opens Its First Property in the Bahamas
The opening of Rosewood Baha Mar marks the completion of the three-phased hotel development in the 1,000-acre Baha Mar luxury resort complex, which also includes SLS and Grand Hyatt. Located along the beaches of Nassau, Rosewood Baha Mar is ideal for multi-generational travel. Many of the 237 rooms connect to adjacent rooms and suites and feature private balconies with furnished outdoor living areas. Four villas have the feel of private Bahamian estates and boast private plunge pools. Food and beverage offerings include coastal Mexican cuisine, farm-to-table cooking, classic cocktails and a private rum room. Guests have plenty of options for relaxation, from two private pools lined with cabanas to treatments at Sense, A Rosewood Spa. Rooms from $595.
Tel Aviv’s Historic Drisco Hotel Debuts Renovations June 3
After more than a decade of intensive renovations, Tel Aviv’s historic Drisco Hotel reopens in the heart of the American Colony neighborhood. The Drisco has a storied past dating back to 1866 when Evangelist pilgrims John and George Drisco set out to open the very first luxury hotel in the region. Original Ottoman oriental design elements influenced the new look of the 42-room property. The menu at Zada draws inspiration from meals and dishes traditionally reserved for the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire's table. Expect gourmet kebabs and regal dishes reminiscent of royal feasts. From $400.
Kimpton Nine Zero Unveils Massive Renovation
A bold, top-to-bottom transformation of Boston’s Nine Zero hotel perfectly melds past and present. Guests immediately feel as if they’re stepping into a private club upon entering the Living Room, a communal space that takes its design cues from the lines and patterns of a perfectly tailored suit. Seating nooks are done up in lush fabrics and detailed tweeds and feature funky decor like tufted-leather cocoon chairs and neon pink light fixtures. Nine Zero’s 190 guest rooms have been outfit with Eames chairs and pops of Americana, including framed poetry by famed Boston natives and paintings of a dapper Boston terrier. The 19th-floor Penthouse spans 1,065 square feet and has floor-to-ceiling windows and clever touches, such as a vintage-inspired billiards table and telescope. Reimagined amenities include an in-house historian, a social media city guide and an on-call partnership with Che Maksou Salon. This fall, the hotel will unveil Better Sorts Social Club, a glamorous cocktail-forward concept. From $265.
Mekong Kingdoms Launches Exclusive River Cruiser
Travelers looking for an intimate experience along the Mekong River can now book a voyage on the Gypsy, an ultra-exclusive, two-cabin river cruiser from Mekong Kingdoms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the river’s scenic shores, and open sundecks are perfect for observing river life. The boat’s interiors feature dark woven leather seating, oversized bamboo daybeds and Thai silk and luxurious fabrics. Two and three-night cruises can accommodate up to four passengers and sail between the Laos capital of Luang Prabang and Thailand’s Golden Triangle. Daily shore excursions range from guided jungle treks, mountain biking in Ban Houy Phalam and visiting a traditional weaving workshop at Ban Baw. Onboard, guests can participate in cooking classes, weaving workshops, and yoga sessions. From $5,450 for a three-night, four-day cruise from Luang Prabang, Laos, to the Golden Triangle, Thailand and from $6,950 for a two-night, three-day cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang.
The Ultimate Road Trip for Car Enthusiasts
Some of Europe’s most exclusive hotels have teamed up to create the ultimate alpine road trip. The six-day Grand Touring Experience takes guests through the scenic passes of central Switzerland and the historic winding roads that connect it to Lake Como, with stays at the Chedi Andermatt, the Dolder Grand in Zurich and Il Sereno Lago di Como, Lake Como’s newest all-suite property. Through luxury rental car company Edel & Stark, guests can select their dream car. Choices include a Ferrari 488 GTB, Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet or Maserati Gran Cabrio MC. Along the journey, guests can indulge in Michelin-star meals and spa services at their luxurious accommodations. Starting at $6,853 a person.
San Francisco’s Phoenix Hotel Reopens June 11
Texas-based hotelier Liz Lambert and her Bunkhouse hospitality and design team have a reputation for channeling effortless cool. Their latest project reimagines San Francisco’s iconic Phoenix Hotel. Initially designed in the 1950s as a motor court lodge in the Tenderloin district, the Phoenix Hotel has been San Francisco’s go-to spot for touring musicians, frequented by everyone from Neil Young to Kurt Cobain. The original footprint—44 rooms and a central courtyard pool—remain as is, but décor got a much-needed refresh. Rooms now feature sky-blue custom headboards and vintage rock n’ roll posters, and the pool is lined with red-and-white-striped cabanas. The on-site restaurant, Chambers Eat + Drink, has a record collection to rival the fantastic food and cocktail menus. From $185.
