This week uber travel advisor Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, shares his picks for top hotel and resort openings in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2020. Email Jack at Jack@EmbarkBeyond.com.
1. Four Seasons Costa Palmas, Los Cabos
2. Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Los Cabos
3. Caerula Mar, South Andros, the Bahamas
4. Ritz-Carlton Mexico City
5. Jashita, Tulum, Mexico
6. Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
1. Four Seasons Costa Palmas, Los Cabos
Ezon says, “Located in the new Costa Palmas development sixty-minutes north of crowded Cabos San Lucas, the 141-room Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos sits on two miles of beachfront anchoring the new marina.”
There’s also an outpost of Estiatorio Milos, founded by acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis, who has made it an unparalleled culinary destination for seafood in Montreal, New York, Athens, Las Vegas, Miami, and London.
Three-bedroom Beachfront Presidential Villa
The 3,474 sq. ft. Presidential Villa is the largest accommodation at the resort and is suitable for six adults and up to four children.
Designed for family vacations and group entertaining, you will find a private oceanfront location that’s close to resort amenities. Live outdoors on expansive terraces with three plunge pools. The sleekly modern interior features lavish living areas and a show kitchen, enhanced by your own private chef on request and a Four Seasons personal assistant.
2. Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Los Cabos
Ezon says, “All rooms at this sparkling 115-room resort feature private plunge pools, which would be hard to tear away from were it not for the sprawling 30,000 square foot Alkemia spa. Families will love the 42 two-bedroom villas and the property’s acclaimed Ambassadors of the Environment program, designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau.”
Grand Reserve Villa
At 2,900 sq. ft., the Grand Reserve Villa offers one King and two Queens for up to six adults with an oceanfront location. Two oversized bathrooms feature soaking tubs, plus enjoy the outdoor shower.
3. Caerula Mar, South Andros, Bahamas
Ezon says, “Launched by HGTV “House of Bryan” celebs Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, Caerula Mar Club opens with 18 “beach chic” oceanfront suites and six private villas on sleepy South Andros, Bahamas. The island’s 190-mile barrier reef is the third-largest in the world and a diver’s paradise.”
Fly into Congo Town International Airport. The runway is 5,321 feet long and there is no fuel with an unattended control tower. There are twice-daily flights from Nassau or fly to Fort Lauderdale and charter from there.
Private Villas
The Private Villas at Caerula Mar are designed in an authentic Bahamian style with all the comforts of modern Caribbean living. Using sustainable practices in the restoration and construction, the owners used local and natural materials to harmonize the accommodations with the landscape.
The resulting tranquil ambiance is the essence of barefoot luxury. Each 750 sq. ft. one-bedroom villa (sleeps two) and 800 sq. ft. two-bedroom villa (sleeps four) features open-plan living and sleeping areas. Outside, lounge on your private porch and soak up the magnificent beauty of your surroundings.
4. Ritz-Carlton Mexico City
Ezon says, “Offering striking views of Chapultepec Park, the Ritz-Carlton’s 153 rooms are among the highest in the city located on floors 36 to 47 in a 58-story tower. The hotel, opening this summer, is located in the heart of the burgeoning financial center.”
It’s part of the Chapultepec Uno mixed-use development. Details on the suites are not available yet.
5. Jashita, Tulum, Mexico
Ezon says, “Located 20 minutes from Tulum’s central tourist zone, this boutique 26-room resort sports an uber-chic style. It’s located on pristine Soliman Bay, shielded from the region’s seaweed surf.”
Jasmine Penthouse
Enjoy your own private rooftop pool and relax on your large private terrace (above) with sunbeds, lounge seats, a dining table with chairs and a bar, perfect for a romantic dinner.
6. Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
Ezon says, “Look for the new Kempinski to redefine luxury on the sleepy island of Dominica. Surrounded by Cabrits National Park, which is home to 365 rivers, waterfalls and pristine hot springs, the Kempinski will offer guests eco-tourism activities with world-class accommodations in a beautiful beach setting.”
Presidential Villa
The 4,585 sq. ft. Presidential Villa features two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious dining room and living room, separate butler’s pantry, and a private spa room with a sauna.
The beautifully decorated villa features plush king-size beds, bathrooms with both a standalone bathtub and shower and large windows with panoramic views across Douglas Bay and the sparkling Caribbean Sea.
Outdoors, you will be able to soak up the sun’s rays on your own terrace with dining furniture and outdoor grill or enjoy a relaxing morning swim in the villa’s private pool.
The Presidential Villa is also served by a private butler, and a private chef is available on request.
