00:00Every year, Conde Nast Traveler releases its annual hot list,
00:04which celebrates the best hotel openings and more from around the world.
00:09Here, Phoenix, Arizona gets a hotel to match its reputation
00:13as one of America's most innovative cities.
00:16A Sonoma County Lodge is designed to attract a more sophisticated crowd,
00:21and a Riviera Maya icon draws on local inspiration in Mexico,
00:25all three of which are winners on this year's hot list.
00:30Phoenix and its neighbors may have their share of big resorts,
00:33but none of them nail the day to night quite like Global Ambassador,
00:38whose white brick exteriors is a welcome departure from the southwestern kitsch
00:42that's so expected in the area.
00:45The sprawling grounds, too, make it feel like a manor estate,
00:48all with those views of unmistakable Camelback Mountain.
00:52The hotel has so much to offer—pools, high design, and wellness—
00:58but we would say it's the food and beverage that really sets it apart,
01:02which is no surprise considering that the co-owner, Sam Fox,
01:06has opened around 150 restaurants all over the country.
01:10Even the sexy Lobby Bar has some cool hospitality tricks.
01:14Le Market does exceptional pastries and possibly the best coffee in town,
01:19while lobby-level Le Homme does breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
01:24A few standouts here include an elevated French onion dip and chips,
01:29and an on-point salad nicoise.
01:32The pool, itself a destination for its design and chic orange umbrellas,
01:37serves ceviche and tacos at the Mexican-Peruvian Pink Dolphin.
01:42But the showstopper is up high at the rooftop restaurant Tia.
01:46It has indoor and outdoor bars,
01:49offering phenomenal 360-degree views of the city.
01:53Make sure to order the Baked Feta and Phyllo.
01:57The rooms—there are 141 of them—are filled with actual good art,
02:02and a favorite touch is the wallpaper on the bathrooms.
02:08Think of Dawn Ranch as a true escape,
02:10all designed to let guests feel completely relaxed.
02:1422-acre grounds are filled with giant redwoods and apple orchards.
02:19The place itself, comprised of 81 cabins, cottages, and tents,
02:24and a history that goes back over 100 years,
02:27has a welcome, low-key summer camp vibe.
02:30The front desk provides you with picnic blankets and binoculars,
02:34and cabins don't have phones or TVs.
02:37Despite its century-old roots, all accommodations feel remarkably modern.
02:42And the designers of the new Dawn Ranch have done a terrific job
02:46in making the place feel comfortable, contemporary, and cozy.
02:51Cabins are quaint,
02:52with terraces to stare out at the redwoods and comfy queen beds.
02:57Cottages are larger, with lovely touches,
03:00including sage-green tiling in the living spaces and planked wood floors.
03:05Regardless of where you sleep,
03:07all are exactly the type of place you want to return to
03:10after a day of forest bathing and kayaking on the river.
03:14And if it's all feeling a little too much like the summer camp of your childhood,
03:18go spend some time in the lodge.
03:20This isn't your average camp mess hall.
03:23It's loaded with honey-hued wood, sofas, and a fireplace,
03:27and leans into the bounty of California's ingredients
03:31to create decidedly grown-up dishes like halibut crudo.
03:36There is plenty of sophistication across the Yucatan,
03:40where Belmond has reopened the beloved Maroma
03:43after a top-to-toe redo that focused on bringing much of the destination in.
03:49Mayan geometry informed the curvature of the stucco buildings,
03:53and local makers and artisans created much of the furnishings and details.
03:58Even the brand-new spa is centered around Mayan practices.
04:02Partnering with legacy French cosmetic brand Guerlain,
04:06the earthen-toned spa offers practices like traditional sound and healing rituals,
04:11and of course, a temezcal.
04:14Suites here are huge, some with more than one terrace and views out to the sea.
04:20Tempting as it may be, you won't be spending too much time in these rooms
04:25because the property itself has so much to offer.
04:29There are several dining outlets, and one of the most fun may be Bambuco,
04:34a poolside bar that manages to be both casual and extremely sexy,
04:39serving exceptional mezcal.
04:41Woodend by Curtis Stone is a showcase of seafood and meat
04:45prepared over an open fire.
04:48For something more casual, Freddy's Bar is beachside and open all day long.
04:53But Casa Mayor is where you'll want to go for upscale local dishes.
04:58From Mexican chef Daniel Camacho,
05:01a top hotel draws in the best of food, design, and comfort
05:06to become a destination all their own.
05:09Any hotel that you choose will guarantee a great vacation.
05:13And for more information on all these hotels, including what to pack,
05:17head to seantraveler.com.
05:20These Hot List tours are brought to you by Capital One.
05:24What's in your wallet?
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