This week we go to Jack Ezon, founder of EmbarkBeyond, noted for his expertise in picking out what’s hot and which new hotels and resorts are likely to deliver the experience you want. The subject is Mexico and the Caribbean, so get your passport ready, ring up your private jet, and get ready to go!
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya (Tulum)
Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya is for those seeking the buzz of Tulum without compromising creature comforts that are non-existent on the strip. Located about 8 miles from Tulum’s buzzy center, the Conrad is a 349-room destination resort great for those looking for a great value, great spa, beautiful beach, and great energy close to their doorstep.
Etereo (Mexico)
Auberge Resorts’ first outpost on Mexico’s Eastern Coast boasts 85 contemporary guesthouses, all with plunge pools directly facing the ocean, which is unique in the area. The Etereo resort features an Auberge Spa, two restaurants, and pools set alongside a pristine beach. The collection of painted coral stone structures seemingly floats above mangroves.
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo (Manzanillo)
Located in a protected eco-reserve along Mexico’s Pacific Coast just outside Manzanillo, the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is a15-room eco-resort with a lush 18-hole, par 72, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and David Fleming designed links golf course. Rooms are terraced down the lush mountainside with exceptional panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with its own small, dramatically set private beach.
Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort (Nevis)
The Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort is a 32-suite boutique gem that will be a magnet for divers and hikers. This adventure resort is set in the shadow of Nevis’ dramatic volcano and will feature great wellness and adventure programming and activities.
Kimpton Roatan (Honduras)
Located off the shore of Honduras, the sleepy island of Roatan is getting a wake-up call with the addition of the trendy Kimpton that will deliver its edgy lifestyle concept with 126 guest rooms (including 43 suites) and amenities like a rooftop sky bar with a glass-fronted pool.
The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai (Riviera Maya)
The Riviera Maya Edition set in the newly created Kanai development, With 180 guest rooms and suites, the buzzy Edition will be home to six food and beverage outlets, including a signature restaurant, pool bar, beach club, and sprawling spa.
The St. Regis Kanai Resort (Rivera Maya)
Opening in the Fall adjacent to the Auberge Etereo, the 124 room St. Regis Kanai Resort will feature a sophisticated design of connected semicircle buildings that boast views from every angle. In addition, 32 beachfront villas with feature private pools and butler service. Facilities will include an exclusive St. Regis Spa, swimming pools facing the sea, and two 18-hole golf courses designed by José MarÃa Olazábal and Nick Faldo.
Susurros del Corazón (Puerto Vallarta)
About 30 miles from Puerto Vallarta, overlooking Banderas Bay, Susurros Del Corazón from Auberge Resorts opens in the Fall 2022 with just 30 residences and 59 suites. The modern facades are met with airy interiors featuring indigenous, light-colored woods and fabrics. They give them a boho-chic feel, all terraced down a dramatic cliff boasting three pools, an impressive spa, and a kids club.
Rock House (Turks & Caicos)
The latest creation by Grace Bay Resorts, Rock House fuses Mediterranean glamor with Caribbean serenity set dramatically on a 25-foot limestone cliff overlooking a dramatic, secluded beach. This all-residential resort estate will have 46 fully serviced accommodations facing the sea and most private pools, uber-modern style, and trendy Mediterranean beach club vibe.
Rosewood Le Guanahani (St. Barts)
Le Guanahani expects to relaunch its updated version of classic Caribbean chic this Fall under the Rosewood flat with its extensive spa, beachfront restaurant, and the only kids club on St. Barts.
Saba Rock Resort (BVI)
Recently opened, Saba Rock is one of the most unique properties in the world, set on a cluster of serene, scarcely inhabited islands. The one-acre island features a hotel, restaurant & bar, and full-service marina – all surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Distinctive to Saba Rock is the impressive collection of antique outboard motors and genuine shipwreck artifacts and jewelry on display in the Nautical Museum located inside the retail store, which also features a wide selection of Saba Rock logo wear, designer resort wear by local designers, and more.
Soho Beach House Canouan (The Grenadines)
Soho House comes to this pristine, remote island across the water from Mustique, bringing the trendy, clubby vibe to the Grenadines, ideal for artistic jet setters to escape their urban environs to explore the Caribbean.
Valley Trunk Bay (Virgin Gorda)
This villa resort in Virgin Gorda comes with a complete staff and resort facilities. Available for buy-outs only, it has been fully restored to its polished glory following near destruction by Hurricane Irma
Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa (Los Cabos)
Located on the corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, Villa La Valencia will debut the longest lazy river in Los Cabos this Spring. The 1,148-stream will feature an art-mural bottom and complimentary pool floats. The brand-new resort overlooks a wide, sandy stretch of pristine shoreline where guests will find a luxurious oasis complete with contemporary suites, multiple fine-dining concepts, and a stylish cocktail bar. Property-wide water features are accented by tropical landscaping and include a breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and an adults-only pool.
Villa Marie (St. Barts)
The beloved St. Barts boutique hotel Villa Marie expands its sandy footprint with a new set of villas adjacent to its buzzy beach club, Gyp Sea. Located on the Bay of Saint-Jean (the same stretch of sand as Nikki Beach and the Eden Roc), it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to indulge in the island’s famous elevated party scene.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun (Cancun)
Adjacent to the newly opened Hilton Cancun, The Waldorf Astoria Cancun offers an excellent premium option, about 20 minutes from Cancun’s airport. Set on 100 acres of beachfront property, the resort will feature a signature Waldorf Astoria Spa as well as five restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and more.
