In this eight-part series, we’ve scoured the globe to find 50 of the most stunning hotels to visit once it’s possible to do so. Here, discover the best hotels in the Americas – from the USA and Mexico to Turks & Caicos
Aman New York, USA
Joining the brand’s growing urban collection, the hotly anticipated Aman New York is finally set to open its doors this year. Taking up residence in Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building which overlooks Central Park, the 83-room hotel is also home to the group’s first urban Aman Residences. Both feature sumptuously understated interiors by architect Jean-Michel Gathy and a handful of its signature restaurants. It’s the spa though, that gets top points: expanding over three storeys – and only open to hotel guests, residence owners and Aman Club members – there will be an Integrative Clinic, a 20m indoor swimming pool, salon and sprawling 280sqm fitness studio. For utmost privacy, book one of the Spa Houses. They come with a treatment room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and an outdoor terrace.
Stanly Ranch, California, USA
Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, this ultra-luxe property is attached to the historic namesake estate that’s been producing superb wines since the late 19th century; it should finally welcome guests this year with 135 bungalows, 40 villas and 70 residences. The ranch’s location in Napa Valley means that you’ll be staying at the heart of some of the country’s best vineyards. The best part? Waking up to a view of the neatly trimmed vines in the fore and the Mayacamas Mountains in the backdrop, and a light scent of eucalyptus wafting through the patio to the bedroom.
One&Only Mandarina, Mexico
One&Only Mandarina claims to have crafted an environment for reconnection, and indeed, the 105- room resort has provided plenty of opportunities for doing so, whether it’s with yourself or nature. One experience is a guided walk through the coastal rainforests that hug the resort to discover local flora and fauna, ending at a 500-year-old tree that has been affectionately nicknamed La Abuela, or The Grandmother. Here, take part in a traditional cacao ceremony, long practised by the locals for meditation. To really be at one with nature, opt for a stay in one of the luxury treehouses. The authentic experience continues at Carao, the restaurant by celebrity chef Enrique Olvera, where Mexican cuisine is given a stage to shine.
Eclipse at Half Moon, Jamaica
Built on a former sugar cane estate, Half Moon has added a new chapter to its storied history with the introduction of Eclipse. You’ll get cosy pretty quickly thanks to its laidback, Anglo-Caribbean aesthetic, where chill Jamaican culture and vibes are married with the property’s yellowed family portraits and custom murals. Given that you’ve journeyed across the world to get here, skip the suites and head straight for the estate homes, which feature private entrances, kitchens and up to four bedrooms. Enjoy a morning stroll across the great lawn and a dip in the Caribbean Sea or in the natural swimming cove before heading to one of the seven restaurants and bars for a sumptuous meal.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, Saint Barthélemy
If a beach getaway is what you are looking for, then you’ll get not one, but two at Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth. Situated on its own private peninsula in Saint-Barthélemy, the resort is served by two beaches: Marechal on the west and Grand Cul-de-Sac on the east. The 66-key property was first opened in 1986 and is currently undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for a grand reopening later this year. Opt for a Signature Suite to experience a residence-style stay and unparalleled privacy. A noteworthy experience at the resort is Cook Your Catch, a fishing excursion with a local fisherman that ends with a dinner featuring the best catch of the day.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth
Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf, Saint Barthélemy
If anyone knows how to do luxury, it’s French hospitality firm, Barrière Group. Already an established name in Europe and in particular, France, it brings its expertise to the Caribbean for the first time with the opening of Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf. Quality, not quantity, is definitely the ethos here – the resort has just 21 rooms and overlooks Gustavia, the capital of Saint-Barthélemy, and the iconic Shell Beach from its hilltop location. There’s Barrière’s signature Spa Diane Barrière here, which uses products from Biologique Recherche, but the true highlight is Brasserie Le Fouquet’s, run by chef Pierre Gagnaire of the eponymous three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris.
Rock House, Turks & Caicos Islands
Cut off from the rest of the world by the North Atlantic Ocean before it and protected by limestone cliffs rising up to almost 30m behind, Rock House feels like it is in its own bubble of luxury and exclusivity. The 42 well-appointed villas by celebrated interior designer Shawn Henderson feature airy interiors with vaulted ceilings and private pools. Amenities include a 30m infinity pool poised on top of a seven-metre cliff, a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts and a jogging trail. Should you enjoy your stay so much you wish you never have to leave, well, that’s possible too – simply purchase your own villa under the resort’s real estate scheme.
Words by: Charmaine Tai, Ho Yun Kuan, Lauren Ho and Mark Ellwood
This story first appeared in the June 2021 issue. Purchase it as a hard or digital copy, or have luxury delivered to your door by subscribing here
