Three of the Hottest New Hotels to Book for Design

I'm Sarah Khan, a Travel Journalist

and Contributing Editor at Conde Nast Traveler.

I'm headed to three of Conde Nast Traveler's

hot list hotels this year,

to see how thoughtful design makes for a standout trip.

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Come with me as I visit the Emory in London.

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica

and The Manor in Manhattan.

My first stop is a staycation.

The Manor may be only a few blocks from my apartment,

but it's the ultimate escape.

The slick 97 Room hotel, channels a fantasy

of a cool artsy Soho Loft

with bold design that reflects

the city's cosmopolitan and global nature.

When I walk into the apartment,

a hidden sanctuary for hotel guests.

I immediately start dreaming about a revamp

of my own considerably less glamorous apartment.

It's a kind of space where you notice new details

with every glance, and those details all add up

to this incredibly inviting experience.

The combination of materials

and silhouettes is totally unique and unexpected.

A reflection of the kinetic vibe

of the neighborhood and city itself.

Architect and designer Hannes Peer,

threw together a brightest mix of colors, textures,

and patterns that I would never have thought

to put together.

Somehow, everything just works.

The clever touches extend to the rooms themselves

where red lacquer walls meet sculptural lighting

and vibrant art.

The Manor's restaurant, The Otter,

has a distinctly art deco feel to it

with murals spanning the walls

and food that looks like works of art.

Am I actually supposed to eat the scallop credo,

or is it meant to join

the modernist masterpieces on the walls?

I'm not so sure.

London has no shortage of beautiful boutique hotels.

Next, I head across the pond to see what's new.

My rival at the discreet entrance of the Emory,

London's first all suite hotel.

Nestled between Belgravia and Knightsbridge

and overlooking Hyde Park.

Feels like stepping into an art gallery.

With sculptures and paintings from artists,

including Damien Hirst throughout the hotel.

It pretty much is.

Here, the design is all about quiet luxury.

Thanks to the six renowned interior designers

who conceptualized the suites,

all of which feel like private sanctuaries.

With so much love and attention going into rooms

and public spaces, spas can often be overlooked

in the design department.

But even a minimal oasis like the Emory's longevity focused

holistic wellness club, Surrenne

brims with eye-catching nooks,

like tranquil treatment rooms, and a 72 foot pool

illuminated by a skylight,

abc kitchen and bar has quickly become

a buzzy, post-work hangout for the Chelsea crowd.

And the interiors feature, floral Damien Hirst painted over

AI generated images.

The food fits right in with the space,

light, bright and imaginative.

On the top floor. The vibe is different.

More Jetson's meets Mad Men

with circular mid-century leather swivel chairs,

a rotating cigar cabinet, an epic panoramic views

as a London skyline unfolds below.

Next up, Nekajui in Costa Rica.

With design inspired by Guanacaste's Old Haciendas.

This lush resort is a modern day interpretation

of the region's historic architecture.

With an appreciative nod

to the gorgeous natural environment that surrounds it.

I always keep an eye out

for local craftsmanship when I travel.

And at Nekajui, I don't have to look very far.

Pieces by the area's artisans are everywhere I turn,

immersing me in the visual splendor

of both the Spanish and Sabanero cultures.

Ritz-Carlton Reserves are places of uber luxury,

where it feels more like you're staying

at your mogul friend's estate than a hotel.

That is, if your friend had a funicular

to carry you down to the private beach club.

They're also designed to blend seamlessly

into their environments.

In this case, averted hillside Perch

in Costa Rica's peninsula, Papago overlooking the Pacific.

Once again, the focus on aesthetics

extends to the food and beverage at Nekajui.

Decadent meals are cultivated

from the region's natural bounty.

And teams are dedicated to chocolate, pastries, cocktails

and fresh Costa Rican coffee,

some of which is roasted on site.

What all of these hot list properties have in common

this year is that they highlight

each destination's visual tapestry

in a way that evokes a true sense of place.

Whether you're looking for whimsical and rustic.

Soho chic meets Arthouse Nouveau

or sumptuous London luxury,

these properties let your eyes lead the way

into an extraordinary stay.

For more information on all these hotels,

including what to pack, head to cntraveler.com.

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