20 Oct 2020
Featuring openings, anniversaries and events from across Japan, Tahiti, USA and Morocco
MOROCCO
Marrakech to welcome two hotels
In Marrakech, two iconic hotels are undergoing huge transformations. In January 2021, boutique hotel El Fenn will unveil its expansion as it pledges a greater commitment to supporting Morocco's local economy, community and environment. The property now stretches across 12 interconnected riads and among the new highlights are a heated rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, Koutoubia Mosque and Atlas Mountains. Four new suites plus a second bar and private dining room have been added and the stylish in-house spa and store expanded. A double room at El Fenn (el-fenn.com), including breakfast and afternoon tea, costs from €250 per night.
Nearby, five-star La Mamounia (mamounia.com) is set to debut its new look with two new culinary concepts under the direction of internationally renowned French Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and refurbished rooms. First opened in 1923 and restored in 2009, La Mamounia's villas are hidden away in the gardens of this luxury palace hotel just moments away from Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.
USA
California
Terra Vi Resort, Tuolumne County California, to open in 2021
Located between Groveland and the northern entrance to Yosemite National Park, the new 64-acre lodge will comprise 140 guest rooms, 25 cabins and market. The project includes developing a public water system utilising two existing on-site wells, a greywater system for landscape irrigation and roof mounted solar panels responding to increased demands for eco-sensitive resorts and local recreation. Nearby attractions include Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park. www.visittuolumne.com
New glamping resort, Under Canvas, to open just minutes away from Yosemite National Park 2021
New glamping resort, Under Canvas, will also pop up in Groveland - the gateway town to the northern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Offering an inviting way to get in touch with the outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home, the resort will offer 99 seasonal glamping units tailored to couples, families and kids. With locations across the US, Tuolumne County will be Under Canvas's first California location.www.visittuolumne.com
Montage Healdsburg coming to Sonoma County in late 2020
Currently under development and due to open late 2020, Montage Healdsburg will be located at the heart of California's world-renowned wine country in Sonoma County. Nestled among the oak trees and vine covered hills just a short distance from historic and charming downtown Healdsburg, the 258-acre resort will feature 130 bungalow-style guestrooms. As the first Montage location in Northern California, the resort will be a launching place of memorable journeys to iconic wineries, legendary culinary establishments, and scenic drives. www.sonomacounty.com
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley, Debuting Late 2020
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is scheduled to open in late 2020 and represents Napa Valley's first and only resort set within a working winery, offering 85 spacious guest rooms and suites as well as 20 residences. The hospitality experience is centered on food, wine and spirits, as well as wellness-inspired amenities. Tucked into the base of Mount Saint Helena in Calistoga and surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards, the resort will include the Gran Roca Spa, two outdoor swimming pools nestled amid the vineyard, an on-site winery by award-winning winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, a Kids for All Seasons programme, multiple meeting and events spaces, and unique dining experiences including TRUSS Restaurant and Bar, led by Chef Erik Anderson. www.fourseasons.com/napavalley/
Pendry West Hollywood Opening in Early 2021
Pendry is expected to open its first Los Angeles property in West Hollywood in early 2021, at the former House of Blues site on the iconic Sunset Strip. With 149 rooms and 40 luxury condominiums, the property will feature a rooftop pool, a members-only social club, live-entertainment venue and a bowling alley. Legendary chef, Wolfgang Puck, whose Spago restaurant put Sunset Boulevard on the culinary map, will return to his roots with fresh dining and beverage venues designed exclusively for Pendry West Hollywood. www.visitwesthollywood.com
Comic-Con Museum opening in San Diego, California in 2021
For visitors and locals alike, winter is the best time of year to visit San Diego as the beaches, attractions and restaurants are uncrowded, the weather remains a balmy temperature and the entire region shows off its laid-back beach and city duo vibe. Museums, theatre performances and festivals provide plenty of indoor activities while golf, marathons, miles of bike paths and sunshine make for great outdoor adventures. In 2021, a new museum dedicated to Comic-Con will open in Balboa Park, taking the total attractions to 18 spanning museums, gardens and attractions in the city's public park. Downtown developments continue as the Manchester Pacific Gateway, overlooking the historic USS Midway, transforming the port district and providing a luxurious experience for visitors. www.sandiego.org
Major remodel and brand new Sleep Programme at prestigious Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur California
Post Ranch Inn, a stunning eco-luxury property perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, has undergone a renovation ready to welcome UK visitors in 2021. The property's Treehouse, Mountain House and Butterfly Rooms have been extensively and sustainably remodeled using recycled and local materials such as redwood wine vats, whilst the popular Ocean Houses have had a total refurb ready for the new year - the first major update since 1992. These stand alone rooms now include indulgent private soaking tubs on the outdoor deck with uninterrupted ocean views, new bathrooms and custom furniture.
Post Ranch is also rolling out a new spa programme and launching The Outpost, a new dining concept in their organic chef's garden in late 2020. 2021 will see the launch of a brand new Sleep Programme, designed with the help of one of the U.S's top sleep doctors and an indoor air quality expert to help guests sleep better and leave feeling truly rejuvenated. www.postranchinn.com
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
British Airways to reinstate direct service in Spring 2021
British Airways is set to reinstate its direct flight to Pittsburgh International from London Heathrow on Sunday 28 March 2021. Initially launched in April 2019 with four services weekly, the British Airways year-round service is the only airline to offer direct flights from the UK to Pittsburgh. Return fares are currently available from £362 per person.
Pittsburgh pledges to add 120 miles of cycle lanes in the next 10 years
Fun, freeing and socially distant, cycling is a great alternative to exploring a destination. Earlier this year, data released by Buzzbike (a London based subscription service) saw a 440% surge in demand for two wheels and the bike boom travel trend is predicted to continue into 2021.
Ideal timing for the announcement of the Pittsburgh Bike(+) pledge. This 10-year initiative aims to give residents and visitors a more affordable transport network with 120 miles of planned improvements, including bike lanes, trails and low-traffic streets called “neighbourways". The target is to reduce transportation related emission by 50% by 2030. Pittsburgh already has an underground light rail network in place, called the T, which is free to ride downtown. And, in terms of green spaces, the city currently has 165 parks, 24 miles of riverfront trails and in close proximity to Butler County (home to Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur) and the Laurel Highlands.
Florida's Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades
New World-Class Sports Complex
The Paradise Coast Sports Complex entered the first phase of its opening when it hosted its first tournament, FBU's Top Gun Showcase, in July. When fully open, the complex will feature 19 full-size artificial turf fields and a 3,500-seat stadium, making Southwest Florida the home of one of the greatest sports facilities in the country. The entirety of the project will be open in late 2021. As an established destination for youth sports, the new complex will enhance Collier County's appeal as a year-round tournament and event destination.
Updates to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples announced it will undergo a remastering of the resort including the addition of a new swimming pool, an immersive water activity experience, a new outdoor restaurant and bar and event lawn. The new dining experience will be complete by the end of November 2020 with the new pools and water experiences expected to be complete in May 2021. The enhancements will elevate the extensive amenities already available at one of Southwest Florida's premiere luxury resort, known for its pristine beaches, championship golf, relaxing spa and innovative children's programming.
Colorado
Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado Springs to reopen in 2021
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway will reopen after a multi-year hiatus for repairs in 2021. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of Colorado Springs top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
Palisade Plunge to open in Spring 2021
The much anticipated Palisade Plunge is set to be one of the longest singletrack downhill mountain bike trails with some of the most descending in the U.S. Opening in spring 2021, riders will have the chance to experience 34 miles (not to mention 8,009' of total descent) of sweet purpose-built singletrack. A $3.2M investment that has been in the works since 2008, the trail starts at the Mesa Top Trailhead on Colorado's Grand Mesa and descends down to the town of Palisade.
Gravity Haus expands with the opening of Vail Haus in 2021
Gravity Haus, a globally conscious experiential brand galvanizing a like-minded community to enhance an active lifestyle and personal growth, will expand this winter with the opening of Vail Haus in Vail, Colorado. Gravity Haus offers an unrivaled experience and authentic mountain lifestyle by seamlessly fusing work, play and travel through a host of tech-forward yet thoughtful 'in-haus' brands that include on-demand outdoor adventure rentals and functional co-working spaces, world-class guided excursions that promote environmental stewardship, and a holistic wellness approach to training and recovery.
Copper Mountain to welcome a new luxury hotel in winter 2020
Copper Mountain, Colorado will welcome a new luxury hotel, Element 29 late October 2020. The anticipated four-story hotel will have 127 guest rooms containing sophisticated, modern finishes, and with its proximity to Center Village, guests will be a short walk away from retail, dining and outdoor adventure. With a spectacular panorama of Copper Mountain and the Sky Chutes, the property will feature an outdoor patio nestled along West Tenmile Creek complete with fire pits and two hot tubs, giving guests a chance to unwind and soak in the views after a day on the slopes.
The hotel is part of Copper Mountain and POWDR's $100 million investment in the area, with the aim of enhancing the guest experience. Guests can book now to experience the new Element 29 by visiting CopperColorado.com.
Aspen Snowmass
The Little Nell's refurb and Gray Malin exhibit and merchandise, Aspen Snowmass
- Aspen's only Five-Star, Five-Diamond property The Little Nell offers ski-in/ski-out access to legendary Aspen Mountain. This ski season the property will unveil the newly renovated living room and lobby, designed by Luis Bustamante, one of the world's most acclaimed Spanish interior designers.
- Gray Malin in Aspen Exhibit at the Sundeck - The Little Nell partnered with fine art photographer Gray Malin for a vintage ski photo shoot last winter in celebration of the hotel's 30th anniversary. This winter, several works from the series will be on exhibit at the Sundeck Restaurant. Framed and unframed prints are available for purchase at the retail boutique at The Little Nell and online. 10% of proceeds from all 2020 sales from the series on com are earmarked for Protect Our Winters, a non-profit that focuses its efforts on legislation regarding climate change.
Snowmass Base Village Development, Aspen Snowmass
Located at the base of Snowmass Ski Area in the heart of Snowmass Village, the Snowmass Base Village development is a $600 million mountain-resort development, currently the largest under construction in North America. The 20/21 ski season phase of the project includes the continued opening of the new One Snowmass, which includes ski- in/ski-out residences, and additional retail and dining options with staggered openings such as JÜS Snowmass, King Yoga Studio, Eye Pieces, Alux Spalon, StraightLine Studio, Sundae Artisan Ice Cream, and GiGi's Market.
Reimagined High Alpine and Alpin Room Restaurants on Snowmass, Aspen Snowmass
Aspen Snowmass introduces the new High Alpine and Alpin Room restaurants, an evolution to the legacy of Gwyn's, a longtime Snowmass favourite. Under one roof, skiers have the option of eating at two distinctly different restaurants with expansive deck seating, a large wood-burning fireplace, a wrap-around bar, and multi-level seating walled by large windows. The new Alpin Room sit-down restaurant pays homage to the ski culture of the Alps and introduces a new menu that draws influence from the great mountain dining traditions of the French, Swiss and Austrian Alps. An extensive wine list, beer options and cocktails complement the new menu. Alpin Room will also be open for breakfast. As in all of the Aspen Snowmass mountain restaurants, High Alpine and Alpin Room provide food choices that are sourced from a local network of sustainable farmers and partners.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley celebrates 40th anniversary and brand new Goldener Hirsch Inn Residences open - perfect for those wanting to work remotely for extended periods of time
Known as the ski resort that has revolutionised ski-area service, Deer Valley is nestled in Utah's picturesque Rocky Mountain Wasatch Range, and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2021. Since its opening in 1981, it has committed ourselves to providing the highest level of service across its 2,000+ acres of varied terrain spread over six mountains, there is something for every skier. Deer Valley has the distinction of the "Best U.S. Ski Resort" by the World Ski Awards for six consecutive years.
Nestled in the heart of mid-mountain's Silver Lake Village, just steps from the ski runs and summer trails of Deer Valley Resort, the newly expanded Goldener Hirsch provides for a luxury mountain stay in an alpine village setting. The Goldener Hirsch features award-winning accommodations, personal five-star service, a versatile conference center, on-site spa, rooftop patio with pool and hot tub, a ski valet, après-ski lounge and the renowned full-service Goldener Hirsch Restaurant. The Goldener Hirsch has been voted the United States' Best Ski Boutique Hotel by the World Ski Awards five-times and is nominated again for 2020. Offering rooms in the iconic European-style Inn, which is connected to the expansion with a bridge and courtyard areas, the 40 new and modern luxury condominiums, will offer lock-off configuration floor plans comprised of hotel rooms to three bedrooms.
JAPAN
Japan will see a bumper year of sporting events in 2021
Following the recent postponement of Tokyo 2020, Japan will see a bumper year in 2021 for sporting events. Visitors can time their trips to catch one of the many not to be missed events including:
- Tokyo Olympic Games (23th July - 8th August)
- Tokyo Paralympic Games (24th August - 5th September)
- World Masters Games, Kansai (14th - 21st May)
- World Aquatics Championships, Fukuoka (16th July - 1st August)
Those travelling out can leave the cities behind to experience a truly off-the beaten path trip. Head out to Mount Koya to observe Buddhist Monks, try your hand at diving in some of the clearest waters in Asia in Okinawa, venture north to Hokkaido and hit the slopes or explore the Onsen culture on thermal island, Kyushu.
HOTEL OPENINGS
Sustainable luxury treehouse eco resort to open in Okinawa in Spring 2021
Designed with the concept of bringing its guests closer to nature, Treeful Treehouse will offer secluded private rooms nestled amongst the jungle canopy boasting 360-degree views alongside a communal Aero House space, equipped with bathrooms, rest and relaxation rooms and a kitchen. This space is connected to the treehouse rooms via a series of floating walkways and jungle paths. Located in rural Nago on the north side of Okinawa Island, the resort will feature four individual treehouse rooms on the banks of the Genka River, each able to sleep two guests. The rooms have been individually crafted to sit seamlessly within the natural environment, built around the existing flora in the area, whilst still providing a luxurious glamping style setting and modern facilities including air conditioning. The resort will offer guests a series of excursions and experiences to explore the local area including jungle trekking, kayaking, paddle boarding and yoga.
The resort is powered purely by its own solar energy, omitting the need to use any fossil fuels. It is passionate about giving back to the local community embarking on projects in the surrounding area, including reinstating a water mill at the site of the Shizogumui Waterfall which was last home to a mill over 100 years ago.
Kimono Retreat Hotel to open in Yamagata Prefecture in spring 2021
Nipponia is a luxury hotel brand of renovated old and precious Japanese buildings known as kominka, these abandoned traditional large family homes that are left to rot are given a new lease of life with Nipponia. Respecting its historical significance, each architecture is revitalised as a facility where visitors can feel the lifestyle, culture and history of the land. Kimono Retreat Hotel will offer guests an escape from everyday life while experiencing Japan's kimono culture in a renovated kimono workshop in the rural village of Shirataka.
The hotel is a renovation of the former Okuyama house, a residence located in the town of Shirataka and was previously owned by a distinguished Japanese family entwined in silk production. Tentatively named “NIPPONIA Shirataka Former Okuyama House”, the total hotel area will span 8,000 square meters with five different buildings and eight guest rooms.
Tomihiro, a 400-year-old kimono fabrics store, took ownership of the residence and began plans for the hotel last year while working with the town's local government and private tourism and renovation companies. Guests will be able to experience the culture of Shirataka through traditional craft activities and local lifestyle activities, such as rice planting and snow shoveling.
Boutique Tower Hotel, Nagoya City
The Tower Hotel is located in Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture. This lifestyle-proposing boutique hotel spreads the appeal of clothing, food and living "localizing" to the world that maximizes the benefits of history, tradition, culture and nature of the three Tokai prefectures. Enjoy incredible views overlooking the stunning greenery of Hisaya Odori Park in the center of the city. Visitors can relax in their rooms whilst experiencing art displayed on the walls. The main dining area offers regional cuisine incorporating the history and culture of the local area by luxuriously using seasonal ingredients that have been blessed with the natural beauty of the Miyama River in Tokai prefecture. PThe iconic TV tower is a symbol of the city and will be opening a boutique hotel inside the tower from September this year. This is the perfect stopover hotel for visitors travelling to Takayama in Gifu Prefecture as Nagoya station is the departure station for trains into this region as well as for anybody looking to visit the Studio Ghibli Theme Park opening near Nagoya in 2022.
Luxury Hoshino Resort Risonare Kohamajima Opens in Okinawa
www.japan.travel/en/ / www.visitokinawa.jp
Luxurious four-star Hoshino Resort RISONARE Kohamajima has opened in Okinawa, Japan's subtropical southern prefecture, just three hours by air from Tokyo. Situated on the beach-lovers' paradise of Kohamajima in the YaeYama Islands, the stylish and newly built property offers 60 modern and spacious private suites built around a pristine lagoon. All suites have their own terrace and daybed and some offer private pools and jacuzzi-style outdoor bathtubs.
First opened in April 2020, the resort closed shortly after welcoming its first guests due to the global pandemic, however it has now reopened its doors and offers guests a rural coastal retreat in an idyllic island setting. What's more, with Okinawa boasting a year-round warm climate comparable to Hawaii and Cancun, the property is a great option for winter-sun breaks or travel in early 2021.
Sustainable camping and glamping at Ugakei Circles – opening in 2021, Mie prefecture
Opening in 2021, the Hygge Circles Ugakei campground in Mie prefecture is surrounded by lush forest and waterfalls. Ugakei Circles is a sustainability-focused nature park with glamping cabins, likened to Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke setting. The area is known for its dense forest covering, mountainous terrain and stunning waterfalls, offering a variety of scenic spots that any outdoor enthusiast would appreciate. The campground is still currently in the development stage, but the planned facilities include an area for campers using tents, plus luxurious cabins if glamping is more your style. The project is headed up by the Japanese branch of Danish outdoor equipment brand Nordisk, and is aiming to promote sustainable design and lifestyle. The brand is also working to incorporate the Danish ethos of hygge, which is the feeling of cosiness and conviviality.
KAI Beppu, a new addition to Hoshino Resorts, Kyushu
KAI Beppu will be a new addition to Hoshino's acclaimed luxury ryokan brand, elevating local experiences. The resort started construction in June 2019 and is due to open in Spring 2021. Located in a place overlooking Beppu Bay KAI Beppu is designed by world-class architect Kengo Kuma. With just a step inside the hotel, an open terrace which overlooks Beppu Bay and is connected to the lobby can be seen. Guests can relax using the foot baths installed on the terrace while feeling the sea breeze. At the back of the lobby is a stone paved alley illuminated by lanterns made from Japanese paper, followed by a shop offering the specialties of Beppu and an arcade which presents a festive mood, enabling the guests to enjoy a stroll inside the grounds. Further down the alley lies a bathhouse distinguished by its warm wooden walls where guests can enjoy the famous Beppu hot spring to their heart's content in indoor and outdoor baths separated by gender.
NEW SHOP OPENING
A taste of Hachinohe at 8base, Tokyo
https://visithachinohe.com/en/
New to Hachinohe comes 8base, a Hachinohe Metropolitan Area Exchange Plaza located in Hibya, Tokyo. 8base is a 'base' where visitors can go and directly taste the charm of local gourmet food, local sake and special products related to the south of the Hachinohe area. 8base is the perfect place for those who are travelling to Japan in 2021 but unfortunately won't be able to visit the Hachinohe region. Visitors can now get a taste of Hachinohe in Tokyo At the restaurant booth and enjoy local cuisine consisting of the fruits of the mountains and seas and local sake that the Hachinohe area is proud of. 8base aims to be a base that connects the Hachinohe area and the people of the Tokyo metropolitan area and expands the possibilities of the area infinitely.
WHERE TO SKI
Escape the crowds in the lesser-known Gifu Prefecture
While not as famous as Nagano or Hokkaido, Gifu is well-stocked with ski resorts catering to all tastes and levels. Gifu hosts 35 resorts in total with 187 kilometers of slopes scattered primarily around the Gujo, Takayama and Hida areas. Takayama City and Gujo City, with their mountainous terrain, boast ski resorts with powdery snow. The Hirugano Highlands Ski Resort in Gujo City, in particular, offers many activities such as snow rafting and sledding, it is the perfect place for everyone from adults to kids. Additionally, Gujo has many ski resorts, including facilities that are fully prepared for handling foreign languages and foreign customers.
Enjoy natural, magically fine powder snow in the Togakushi Ski Area, Three Star Road
Located in Togakushi City, in the mountainous Kamiminochi District, is the Togakushi Ski Area where visitors can find well-balanced snow slopes with a total of eighteen runs. This is the perfect place to visit whilst exploring the Three Star Road route in Japan. All of the slopes are covered with the finest quality powder snow, leading skiers to the Togakushi Mountains that resemble the dynamic mountains of Europe. The maximum inclination of 31 degrees and the maximum length of 3-kilometers will bring satisfaction to any skier. Visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to walk around on the snow in the vicinity of the slopes. This field of snow will satisfy skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts, as well as those who don't ski.
Nest rebrands as Miru Collection, Niseko
Niseko based hotel Nest, has rebranded as Miru Niseko, part of the Miru Collection group. Miru Niseko is located an eight minute drive from Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village Ski Resort. Miru, meaning to see or look in Japanese, embodies a refreshed point of view. Representing a union of design, nature and culture, each of the hotels within the group has a distinct mix of thoughtfulness and surprise, inspired by the richness of its location. Miru Niseko is made up of hotel rooms, apartments and lodges to suit the needs of all guests. Perfect for a winter getaway, Hangetsukohan Natural Park and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area are within a 15-minute drive from the property.
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Go eco-friendly in The Islands of Tahiti
Tetiaroa atoll is composed of a dozen small islands surrounding 30 miles of stunning blue lagoon northeast of Tahiti. Residents here are designed in keeping with the already standing environmentally sustainable Brando resort on Bora Bora island. Four residential accommodations are being opened over the coming years with the first having opened last year on motu (islet) Onetahi, one of 12 motus that surround the island. The three-bed residence spans across 1.25 acres of the beachfront, it hosts a swimming pool, beautiful contemporary designs of both the indoor and outdoor living spaces with a large terrace and decks. The architectural design of the residence is built Polynesian style with use of local tropical wood, coral walls and pandanus thatch roofing adhering to the strict sustainable standards that earned the resort its LEED Platinum certification. Guests staying at this residence get full access to the resort, its activities and amenities including multiple restaurants and bars, spa, fitness centre and water sport options.
