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In addition to the pent-up demand among travelers following the pandemic, hotels and resorts around the globe seem to be following suit with new openings, reopenings and renovations taking place as we head into the new year.

Cannua, a Colombian Eco-Lodge

The lost flavors of indigenous Colombia are being brought back to life at Cannua.

Set in the heart of the Colombian Andes 40 minutes from the Medellin airport, newly opened Cannua is the country’s first high-end, sustainable and responsible ecolodge, designed on permaculture principles and full of organic gardens and high-end dining. It is also the world’s first hotel constructed of sustainable, compressed earth bricks, a process using modern techniques to restore an ancient concept.

Composed of 18 rooms including six cabanas and two junior suites, along with a spa, bar and restaurant that has been nominated as one of the best in the country, the sprawling Cannua offers the opportunity to explore a renewed, magical Colombia through genuine local experiences, incredible biodiversity and gourmet cuisine—rescuing lost indigenous flavors and maintaining 86,000 sf of organic gardens and food forests with edible plants.

Staff lead guests on tours through the gardens sharing the principles of permaculture and teaching guests about the rainforest.

Surrounding Cannua is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, which can be explored on pre-Hispanic hiking trails—used hundreds of years ago as trade routes—that have been preserved throughout the property. cannua.com

Hotel Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires

Talk about a room with a view! Hotel Casa Lucia has one of the best in Buenos Aires.

Housed in the historic Edificio Mihanovich—once the tallest building in Latin America—Hotel Casa Lucia will open its doors this January in the Argentine capital’s fashionable Recoleta neighborhood, marking the first venture outside of Spain for the Unico Hotels chain.

The hotel’s 142 rooms and suites feature sleek furnishings that contrast and complement its historic roots, as well as contemporary art from award-winning Argentine artist, Cristian Mohaded whose work is featured in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and at the Musée Les Arts Decoratifs in Paris. Taking full advantage of sweeping views, many rooms and suites feature balconies with outdoor showers, sun loungers and outdoor dining, giving guests the chance to savor the sights of the city and the Rio de la Plata.

The onsite Cantina Restaurant boats a menu inspired by the fresh, striking flavors of Argentine cuisine, while the cocktail bar Le Club Bacan offers 400 varieties of Argentine wine. Promising guests a sanctuary in the city, Casa Lucia also will be home to a luxurious spa comprising three treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym and an elaborate pool framed by mirrors. hotelcasalucia.com

Xixim Mundo Imperial, Acapulco

Renovated common areas will be unveiled at the reopened Xixim.

Since closing for renovations during the pandemic, the Xixim Mundo Imperial will celebrate its reopening in December with new wellness spaces, including an intuition laboratory, as well as renovated rooms and common areas and a renewed water treatment system.

A pioneer in ecotourism and health for 27 years, Xixim’s concept appeals to travelers seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the environment. The property’s 32 suites combine traditional craftsmanship—with cutting-edge eco-techniques including a solar capturing system and bioconstruction—offering luxury and wellness in spacious accommodations with private terraces and jungle showers.

More than 20 wellness experiences may be self-directed or guided, including sessions for meditation, voice, movement, sound and the new intuition. Meanwhile, Xixim’s cuisine elevates Yucatecan flavors to new heights, with fresh seafood and iconic Yucatan dishes taking center stage. mundoimperial.com/xixim.

A Hilton Debut: Hilton Kathmandu

Slated for a first-quarter 2024 opening, the new Hilton Kathmandu—a first for the brand in that capital city—will be situated in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The new property is being designed to embody a harmonious blend of the country’s rich heritage and modern design, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range visible from the valley.

The hotel’s 173 guestrooms will be complemented by versatile event spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, an iconic rooftop bar providing a stunning vantage point, and Grab & Go, a deli with a unique Street Market concept. Throughout the property, guests can immerse themselves in the charm of local culture and art, as evidenced in meticulously crafted luxe detailing, metal etching, and incorporation of traditional architectural ornamentation. hilton.com

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

The Kilolani Spa’s wet lounge and Vitality Pool.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is officially slated to open its highly-anticipated Kilolani Spa on Feb. 28, 2024.

The new 50,000-square-foot spa will be the largest of its kind in the region, and will specialize in holistic and innovative treatments inspired by the island’s healing practices and rituals. Guided by the Hawaiian Moon Calendar, the stunning state-of-the-art facility will have a seasonal treatment menu steeped in practices that promote mindful rejuvenation, reflection, renewal, connection, nourishment and relaxation, bringing each guest a sense of balance and alignment during and after their experience. grandwailea.com

Kimpton Hotel Theta, NYC

Newly opened in the city that never sleeps is a hotel design that never goes out of style, elegantly worn by the Kimpton Hotel Theta. Inspired by the work of Morris Lapidus—legendary architect of Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau—the reimagined 364-room lifestyle hotel is set in the nexus of Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square, an ideal launch point for anyone looking to stay in the middle of it all but wanting an alternative to the city’s high-energy surroundings.

Aptly named for the Theta brainwaves that are most present in moments of self-reflection,
meditation and internal focus, the Theta name is also derived from the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, a perfect tie to the hotel’s 8th Avenue location.

Guestrooms in the 15th-floor hotel are oversized by NYC standards, with each room featuring a plush bed and comfortable nook by the window for unwinding or getting some work done. Luxe amenities include Atelier Bloem bath products and complimentary yoga mats upon request.

Kimpton’s curated amenities also include custom-designed Kimpton PUBLIC bikes available to rent and take on suggested bike routes, daily evening social hour with wine and light bites, complimentary in-room plants and “Forgot it? We’ve got it!” essential travel items.

In early 2024, Hotel Theta will welcome Bar Sprezzatura, a rooftop restaurant inspired by the relaxed elegance of the Italian Riviera. Bar S’ first location on the East Coast will offer a convivial atmosphere and signature spritzes to bring the effervescence of Positano to Midtown Manhattan. hoteltheta.com