The Henson – Hudson Valley, New
Four Seasons Resort and Residences
Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol –
Mexico
EDITOR’Sletter
It was November 2019 Although it was not yet late, the sky was dark when I turned onto the winding coastal road just outside Carmel-by-the-Sea My kids had called it a night - they had dozed off in the back seat and, despite being usually optimistic, I felt gloomy That was until I saw the light over the driveway to the hotel, the foolscape rectangle of paleness that spilled from the glass in the windows, and the friendly valet driver who was standing in that rectangle. About to turn my key in the ignition, I was struck by something profoundly grounding: hotels are as close to a home as we can have while traveling.
I firmly believe that home is not a place, but a feeling It is the feeling of coming back to people who want your company It is the feeling of belonging that comes after a whole day of excursions and gypsy-trotting. And hotels, even if they are heavily embellished and full of modern luxury, always have a cosy and intimate feel.
I returned to my room, thinking about hotels and what they mean for travelers Travelers like me, single moms, coparenting parents, solo travelers, newlyweds, all-girl groups, all-boys groups, retired couples, etc. Hotels meant more than one thing to travelers For some, they were home, for others, they were a sanctuary It left me thinking about how so many new hotels were popping up all over North America Some were in the desert, among the ghostly red mesas of southern Utah, and others stood tall among a pile of other buildings in New York City
Were there more hotels in my continent than I knew about? Were they any different from the ones I had stayed in? Did they also provide comfort like home, or did they have other feelings associated with them?
Hotels Homes Hotels The lines were blurring If only you knew how excited I am to launch the debut issue of Travel Taste Discover, “The Hottest New Hotels of 2025”!
Being an independent magazine, it encourages travelers to explore the world like they have never done before
Brick by brick, we try to change perceptions that traveling isn’t about how much you spend, but how much you ' re willing to experience Once you get used to hotels, there is a certain comfort in their existence Our hotel rooms prove to be a substantial and discreet source of rest and relaxation, and as time passes, your travel begins to feel innate and sustainable Better, really, if you knew how to choose a hotel that would make your stay unforgettable.
In this issue, you will find a list of 18 hotels that are raising the bar, 10 new and hottest hotels, tips to make your hotel stays unforgettable, luxury hotels on a budget, young hoteliers to watch, and so much more, all focused on North America Welcome to Travel Taste Discover We hope you enjoy the journey.
TheEditorialTeam TravelTaste
Discover
18 GAME-CHANGING HOTELS FROM NYC TO MAYAKOBA picture-perfect stays...
North America is a veritable world-renowned hotspot for tourism Though major cities are famous for their brand-new and luxury chain hotels, the mass appeal of North America lies in the alluring towns and coastal destinations that everyone, even hotel connoisseurs, is eager to explore These destinations have welcomed many advances in hospitality and game-changing hotels over the last few years, bringing an influx of visitors from the US, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and around the world.
Now, these 18 hotels are breaking barriers and offering a range of hospitality concepts, from traditional to innovative While large luxury hotels are also included in this list, there are still plenty of hotels, from NYC to Mayakoba, that offer what is originally known as a boutique and diminutive reception.
Ambiente Sedona - A Landscape Hotel
Mexico is having a moment Or maybe it’s always been in one. With sugar-white beaches that stretch like satin ribbons and water so clear it’s basically glass, this country knows how to put on a show and travelers are noticing. From jungle escapes to oceanside icons, a fresh generation of hotels is rewriting the rules of Mexican hospitality, blending heritage with innovation, barefoot luxury with spiritual grounding
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel in Cabo delivers a slick, grown-up vibe without the stiff upper lip Imagine 1960s SoCal sun culture colliding with Baja’s raw beauty and then throw in panoramic views of El Arco, a rooftop bar that feels like a music video set, and every s front-row seat to the Pacific. It’s a reminder t Mexico can be equal parts stylish and soulful
Meanwhile, La Valise Tulum rewinds the barefoot boutique hideaway feels less like a more like a secret Thatched roofs, jungle beach suites where the ocean soundtrack neve the kind of place where cacao ceremonies a tasting menus aren't gimmicks they’re pa rhythm A true escape wrapped in linen candlelight
Then there’s One&Only Palmilla, a true gr perched at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula resorts shimmer with Instagrammable pools and shiny chandeliers, Palmilla plays a different card: legacy Staff who know your drink before you do
Mexico’s Luxe Coastline Hotels
FEATURE STUNNING RESORTS AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN PLACES LIKE TULUM, CABO, RIVIERA MAYA.
Suites where every detail is handmade And a beach that, miraculously, is actually swimmable (a rarity in Cabo) Hollywood loved it in the '50s, and today, Aters still slip in for a dose of hush-hush glamour and ellness treatments rooted in ancient Mayan wisdom
Riviera Maya is your siren call, Chablé Maroma fers something rare: a marriage of wellness and eachside bliss. Think: ocean breezes during your utdoor massage, ant larvae (yes, really) on your sting menu, and infinity pool lounging in between mazcal rituals. It’s the kind of high-touch, soul-deep perience you can’t manufacture and won’t forget
ith new properties opening seemingly every month, exico’s coastlines are now dotted with destinations at cater to every kind of traveler Whether you ’ re aving a spa weekend, a culinary odyssey, or a slowing jungle hideaway, one thing is certain: the exican coast isn’t just a place It’s a mood
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel
Chablé Maroma
Beach Club at The Boca Raton – Florida, USA
Luxury doesn’t need to shout – and the newly reimagined Beach Club at The Boca Raton proves it Following a $130 million renovation, the resort reemerges with 210 revamped rooms, two stylish new restaurants, and a sea-facing lobby bar designed for languid afternoons Whether you ' re poolside with a spritz or opening your suite's windows to sunrise over the Atlantic, the mood is pure, unhurried bliss
THE FINEST HOTELS OF 2025 SETTING NEW STANDARDS
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol – Mexico
A bold new arrival on the Cabo scene, this Four Seasons does more than just dazzle. It redefines the genre with nods to traditional Mexican villages think cobblestone plazas and whitewashed casitas interwoven with modern indulgences. A standout spa, chef-driven Nikkei cuisine, and a thriving artist residency add texture to this serene Pacific-side retreat
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection – South Carolina, USA
Lowcountry elegance meets wild coastal charm on Johns Island, where The Dunlin spans 2,000 acres of salt marshes, oyster-rich tides, and whispering pines. Guests stay in cottage-style suites dressed in mint gingham and wicker, and days drift by with dolphin safaris, farm-totable Southern fare, and fireside cocktails. It’s the kind of place where the natural world feels like a curated experience
Beach Club at The Boca Raton – Florida, USA
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection – South Carolina, USA
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol – Mexico
LUXURIOUS, BUT
EXPENSIVE not
Anna & Bel, Philadelphia
LUXURY VIBES, BUDGET PRICE.
BOLD STAYS THAT DON’T BREAK THE BANK.
Looking for luxury without breaking the bank? We've got you covered with a handpicked selection of stunning, budget-friendly gems across North America These carefully curated hotels offer all the sophistication and charm of high-end accommodations, but without the hefty price tag Whether you ' re soaking up the sun on the serene beaches of Mexico, indulging in the historic charm of North Carolina, or discovering the vibrant culture of Philadelphia, these places offer the perfect blend of comfort, style, and value From coastal retreats to city escapes, each one promises an unforgettable experience at a price that feels like a steal
Hotel Humano, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
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The Flat Iron Hotel, Asheville, North Carolina
Step back into the 1920s at this historic gem The 71room Flat Iron Hotel blends art deco charm with modern comforts, featuring quirky details like a red Steinway piano and a brass letterbox The Luminosa restaurant celebrates Appalachian cuisine with local ingredients, while the Red Ribbon Society serves inventive cocktails. A true piece of history that doesn’t sacrifice luxury
OUR
EDITORS COMBED
THROUGH NORTH AMERICA'S HOTTEST HOTELS TO FIND STUNNING STAYS THAT DELIVER LUXURYWITHOUT THE SKY-HIGH PRICE TAGS
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Hotel Humano, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
A stylish escape in Puerto Escondido, this 39-room hotel mixes concrete design with bold burgundy tiles and chic poolside lounging Perfect for surfers, Hotel Humano offers surf lessons and beach access in the laid-back La Punta zone. Relax by the pool with a Mexican lager or vibe out at the rooftop bar The blend of sophistication and local charm makes it a luxurious yet affordable stay
Anna & Bel, Philadelphia
Located in the bustling Fishtown neighborhood, Anna & Bel is a hidden gem for modern travelers The 47-room boutique hotel features sleek design, a cozy communal balcony, and a greenhouse-like breakfast spot. Enjoy local art, delicious food, and a laid-back vibe at Caletta bar It’s the perfect home base to explore Philly’s vibrant food scene and cultural offerings.
HOTTEST HOTEL
OF 2025 pool
Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe Mexico
THE BIGGEST OF 2025 hotel trends
In 2025, hotels are leveling up offering smarter, sleeker, and more personalized experiences than ever before
a) Smart Rooms
From voice-controlled lighting to in-room tablets that adjust temperature and blinds, hotel rooms now adapt to your preferences at the tap of a screen
b) Entertainment Hubs
Smart TVs do more than stream Guests can now order room service, explore local attractions, and check out all from the TV screen
c) Mobile Concierge
Forget waiting at the front desk Mobile apps let you check in, unlock your room, order food, and get custom offers instantly
d) Wireless Charging
Wireless chargers are now a room staple, keeping devices powered without the cord chaos
e) Targeted Stays
Hotels are tailoring experiences to specific travelers like digital nomads, families, or wellness seekers with spaces and perks that fit their lifestyles
f) Work Meets Leisure
Hybrid spaces offer ergonomic work zones by day and relaxed lounges by night perfect for the bleisure crowd
g) Sleep-Focused Stays
With blackout curtains, cooling mattresses, and white noise options, hotels are prioritizing rest as a luxury experience
h) Sustainable Design
Eco-friendly features like energy-saving tech and waste-free amenities are standard, appealing to guests who want luxury with a lighter footprint
i) Experiential Perks
Think cooking classes, curated city walks, or wellness workshops hotels are offering more than just a place to stay
OPENING SOON Young Hoteliers to Watch
In 2025, luxury meets innovation as hotels redefine the guest experience Leading the charge is W Punta Cana All-Inclusive, marking W Hotels’ debut into the allinclusive scene Opening in Uvero Alto, this beachside escape promises vibrant social spaces, curated entertainment, and standout features like a rooftop bar, speakeasy, and WET® Deck pools
Meanwhile, Faena New York is set to bring art-infused hospitality to Manhattan’s High Line in spring 2025
With 120 uniquely designed rooms and the signature Tierra Santa Healing House spa, this property blends cultural curation with iconic architecture
On the West Coast, Appellation Healdsburg is crafting a culinary-forward retreat in Sonoma County Opening June 2025, it will highlight wine country charm with vineyard views, an agrarian rooftop, and farm-totable dining by Charlie Palmer offering guests a truly immersive taste of Healdsburg.
Opening this summer, One&Only Moonlight Basin brings a dose of luxury to the Montana wilderness Just an hour from Yellowstone, this alpine resort will feature 73 lodge rooms, 19 private villas, and forest-to-plate dining. Guests can ski Big Sky’s 5,800 acres via private gondola or unwind with spa treatments, horseback riding, and kayaking making it a true four-season destination.
Also joining the scene is 1 Hotel Seattle, set in the South Lake Union district This reimagined space blends eco-luxury with Pacific Northwest charm. Expect reclaimed timber stairways, living green walls, and a wellness-centric approach, all wrapped in sustainable style The hotel’s restaurant will showcase local flavors, while its calming aesthetic will reflect the region’s earthy spirit
Appellation Healdsburg
READERS’ DREAM HOTELS 2025 a wish list of
A 2025 WISHLIST OF FANTASTICAL STAYS—FROM FLOATING JUNGLE LODGES TO UNDERWATER SUITES
Ever checked into a hotel shaped like a seashell? Or sipped champagne in a treehouse suite where monkeys are your only neighbors? According to this year ’ s reader polls, the world’s dreamiest hotels aren’t just about thread count and infinity pools they’re about imagination
In our annual callout, we asked thousands of readers to describe the most unforgettable places they’ve stayed or long to stay The answers were equal parts magical, unexpected, and envy-inducing “I stayed in a hotel shaped like a sailboat in Miami,” wrote one reader “Every room had a porthole view of the ocean, and the minibar was stocked with nauticalthemed cocktails”
Another reader dreamed of a hotel in Iceland built entirely from recycled glass, where the walls shimmer like the Northern Lights. One lucky traveler actually stayed in a suite carved into the cliffs of Santorini, lit only by candlelight and the Aegean moon
From underwater villas in the Maldives to vintage Airstreams parked in the Utah desert, your dream hotels took us around the globe and into a few alternate universes A standout? A floating jungle lodge in Costa Rica where breakfast is delivered by zipline.
Some of these wonders are real Some are on the drawing board And some, we suspect, were born of a particularly potent room-service cocktail. But we don’t mind These wish-list stays remind us that travel isn’t just about where you go its about how wildly you dream
The Henson Hensonville, New York
May 2025 Issue No. 01