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Haute Couture Hotels

January 13, 2026

From Christian Louboutin’s red-soled retreat in Portugal to Missoni’s rooftop pool takeover in Texas, fashion’s biggest names are bringing their aesthetic to the world of hospitality.

By Erica Commisso

Fashion’s most recognizable houses are stepping beyond boutiques and ateliers, carving out a stylish new niche in hospitality. Whether through sun-splashed rooftop pop-ups, bespoke restaurants, or full-fledged hotels, these brands are crafting experiences as exclusive as their runway designs.

Armani may have been among the first to blur the line between haute couture and high hospitality—opening its namesake hotels in Dubai in 2010 and Milan a year later—but a new wave of labels is following suit, each putting its own spin on the idea of living the brand.

Take Christian Louboutin, whose first hotel, Vermelho (featured above), debuted in the quiet Portuguese village of Melides, just south of Lisbon. The 13-room property is an exuberant reflection of the designer’s signature flair: the iconic red heel reimagined through tiles, beams, and upholstery. Yet, for all its glamour, the space remains grounded in local culture, blending artisanal Portuguese craftsmanship with Louboutin’s playful sensibility—a European counterpart to Yves Saint Laurent’s legendary Marrakech oasis.

Meanwhile, Ferrari is channeling its racing-red prestige into fine dining. At Cavallino restaurant in Maranello, steps from the factory and Gestione Sportiva racing department, acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura’s Italian classics are served up with the precision of a Formula 1 pit crew. The tasting menu celebrates regional icons like Parmigiano Reggiano and Emilia Romagna wines, a far cry from the humble company canteen Enzo Ferrari opened in 1950. Since its 2021 redesign, Cavallino has become a destination in its own right for culinary-minded car enthusiasts.

This past year also brought a flurry of beach clubs and poolside collaborations. Longchamp landed in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, with a seaside outpost that captures the breezy elegance of the French Riviera. In Dallas, Missoni partnered with Hôtel Swexan to create a rooftop escape awash in the brand’s iconic zigzag prints. Guests sip Malfy Gin Spritzes poolside, enjoy curated in-suite gifts, and bask in the kind of effortless glamour usually reserved for the Mediterranean. “This partnership is the perfect fit since both Missoni and Hôtel Swexan are family-owned, devoted to craftsmanship and timeless sophistication,” says Hôtel Swexan general manager Julian Payne.

Elsewhere, designers made their mark from the Hamptons to Ibiza. Michael Kors and Chanel hosted posh summer activations in New York’s chicest coastal enclave. Dolce & Gabbana’s DG Resort returned to Taormina and Saint-Tropez, Jacquemus took over Monte-Carlo Beach, and Louis Vuitton debuted a Saint-Tropez culinary pop-up with Michelin-starred chefs Arnaud Donckele and Maxime Frédéric. Lacoste also entered the scene, opening a café in Monte Carlo that brings its preppy-sporty heritage to life, right down to the crocodile-green details.

As the lines between fashion, travel, and lifestyle continue to blur, one thing is clear: luxury today is about more than what you wear. It’s about where you stay, what you taste, and how you can live inside the brand’s world—even just for a night.

Checking In: Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

January 13, 2026

From overwater bungalows to beachside lobster lunches, this is Cuba done differently.

By Mitch McClung

Arriving in the dark might not seem ideal, but it’s actually the best way to experience Hotel Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo. When you wake up, sunlight streams through the windows and the ocean shimmers just outside your door. The resort is only a short drive from the airport, yet it feels tucked away from the rest of Cuba—quieter, calmer, and intentionally different. Instead of the usual resort soundtrack of mariachis and cocktails by the dozen, guests are greeted by the sound of a grand piano in the lobby.

Playa Luxury aims to redefine what a high-end Cuban stay can be. Its six over-water bungalows are among the only ones in the country, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light while keeping it private from the curious boardwalk passersby. Inside, the design is simple and soothing: natural wood tones, linen bedding, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub overlooking the ocean. Sunset baths quickly become part of the routine.

Each bungalow opens onto a private deck with an infinity pool, lounge chairs and a shaded cabana. It’s easy to spend the day there, swimming, reading, or just watching the waves. But it’s worth following the winding wooden walkway to Playa Pica Beach, a stretch of white sand framed by volcanic rock and gentle surf. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and proof that Cuba still has plenty of surprises.

Dining is another highlight. Lunch might be lobster grilled over coals and served with fresh fruit, or a casual burger and fries with a beach view. The four restaurants focus on fresh ingredients and flavourful simplicity, showcasing Cuba’s produce in a modern way.

Guests can (and should) explore beyond the resort. Take a jeep ride through the jungle, sail along the coast to snorkel with tropical fish, or stop at a sandbar for drinks in the shallow water. If you’d rather stay dry, the ocean is clear enough to watch from the deck.

On departure day, sip a final coffee on your terrace while your luggage makes its way to the lobby. Playa Luxury’s private airport transfer arrives right on time, but the feeling of serenity lasts long after you leave.

It’s in the Details: Bath salts, bamboo robes and refillable carafes of coconut water make each bungalow feel like a private spa suite.

On the Menu: Don’t miss the lobster grilled over coals and served with tropical fruit salsa and a cold mojito by the beach.

Room to Book: One of the six over-water bungalows with a soaking tub, private infinity pool and panoramic ocean views.

What to Do Nearby: Book a catamaran trip to snorkel the reef and stop at a sandbar for a drink in the shallow water.

The Art of the Stay

January 13, 2026

Canadian interior designer Lesley Wong on trends, travel, and crafting memorable hotel spaces.

By Erica Commisso

Since launching her eponymous studio in 2014, Lesley Wong has evolved from a one-woman operation into a full-fledged hospitality design team. With projects spanning both Canada and the United States, she’s shaped inviting spaces at properties like the Sparrowhawk Canmore and Hilton Whistler Resort.

Here, Wong shares what inspires her, the textures she’s loving now, and the magic behind creating hotels that feel both personal and transportive.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: I draw inspiration directly from the character of the surrounding area, whether that’s the landscape, the local community, or the regional architecture. By weaving these elements into our designs, we create hotels that feel deeply connected to their setting. This not only allows guests to feel fully immersed in the spirit of the destination but also ensures that each property is truly one of a kind, reflecting the distinct identity of its area.

Q: How is designing a hotel different from designing any other space?

A: Designing a hotel is uniquely complex because it must function on many levels at once. Unlike a home, which is tailored to a single lifestyle, or a store, which is focused on a specific transaction, a hotel must serve as both a personal retreat and a communal space. Guests come from all over the world with different expectations, so the design must be welcoming, intuitive, and adaptable. At the same time, it needs to express the spirit of its location and provide a sense of discovery. It’s this balance between comfort and experience, function and storytelling that makes hotel design so distinctive and rewarding.

Q: How do you hope people feel when interacting with your designs?

A: I hope people feel a sense of ease and discovery when they interact with our designs. A hotel should flow intuitively, so that guests never have to think too hard about how to move through a space. It should just feel natural. At the same time, I want them to feel a spark of inspiration, whether it’s through a surprising detail, a thoughtful material choice, or the way a space encourages connection with others. For me, it’s about creating an atmosphere that both calms and excites, leaving guests with an impression that lingers long after their stay.

Q: How did you decide you wanted to be a designer? Why for hotels specifically?

A: Design has always been a passion of mine, even from a young age. As a child, I would spend hours decorating my dollhouses, rearranging tiny rooms until they felt just right. Later, while many of my friends were going out and socializing, I found just as much joy in staying home to experiment with fabrics and create things for my own space. That love of shaping environments never really left me. When I began my career, I worked at a hotel brand, and that experience completely opened my eyes to the world of hospitality design. I was drawn to the complexity and creativity it demands. Hotels aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about how people feel, move, and connect within a space. From that point on, I knew this was the path for me.

Q: What are some textures and design elements you’re loving right now?

A: Lately, I’ve been inspired by biophilic design, bringing natural elements like greenery, wood, and stone into interiors to create spaces that feel calming and restorative. I love how integrating nature not only adds beauty and texture, but also enhances the overall well-being of guests, making the environment feel alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Q: What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about your work?

A: I love what I do so much I actually dream of hotel design—when I eventually fall asleep. Quirky, yes, but I still love it. I absorb ideas from all around me, so I think it’s my brain’s way of processing all the information and creativity.

Found: The Perfect Gift for Travellers

December 1, 2025

A new flexible hotel voucher is making the case for giving experiences over things.

If you’ve ever tried to buy a gift for someone who already owns everything they want — or insists they don’t want anything at all — you know the struggle. This year, one idea is quietly gaining traction among frequent travellers and minimalists alike: a single hotel gift card that can be redeemed at a huge range of luxury properties around the world.

Unlike traditional “one brand only” gift certificates, the new Hotel & Spa Resorts voucher works across thousands of hotels, from big-city towers to remote spa resorts. The appeal is obvious. Instead of guessing where someone might want to go, you give them the freedom to decide — whether that’s a quick weekend escape or a long-dreamed-of trip they finally have a reason to book.

It also taps into a broader shift toward gifting experiences instead of physical items. In an era where people are trying to declutter, travel feels like a splurge that doesn’t add more stuff to their lives. And for last-minute gifters (we see you), this kind of present is instant, elegant, and doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size or décor preferences.

Most importantly, it’s the rare gift that becomes a memory: a sunrise somewhere new, a pool they didn’t want to leave, a hotel bathrobe they definitely considered taking home. And on that note, if you’re set on wrapping something, we love the idea of tucking the gift voucher into a plush new robe. Happy gifting!

This Iconic Okavango Lodge Just Reopened its Doors

December 1, 2025

Baines’ Lodge has reopened after a complete rebuild, with just six suites and front-row access to Botswana’s most spectacular wetland.

Botswana’s Okavango Delta has no shortage of remarkable safari stays, but one of its most intimate lodges has just re-entered the scene with a striking new identity. Baines’ Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary property, has reopened following a complete rebuild, taking inspiration from 19th-century explorer and artist Thomas Baines, whose watercolours first introduced the region’s landscapes to the world.

Perched on the floodplains of the Boro River at the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, the redesigned lodge feels like an open-air gallery. Soft greens and papyrus tones echo the reeds outside; sand-washed neutrals mirror the Delta’s islands; and rich timbers ground each space in its setting. Instead of walls, columns frame the views, so the watery landscape becomes the artwork.

With only six suites and a maximum of four guests per vehicle, the emphasis is on slow, deeply personal safari experiences. The private concession allows activities you won’t find in the main park — walking safaris, night drives, and, when water levels permit, mokoro canoe excursions through the channels. Seasonal floods transform the area from May to September, drawing elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and extraordinary birdlife into the surrounding mosaic of waterways.

Thoughtful touches nod to both exploration and craftsmanship: the Explorer’s Lounge comes kitted with microscopes and maps, woven ceilings created by South African artisans mimic the patterns of termite mounds, and reclaimed timber from the original lodge has been reimagined throughout the property. Private decks feature “star baths” — open-air tubs positioned for long soaks under the night sky — making the lodge especially appealing for honeymooners and romantics.

For travellers drawn to the Delta’s quieter corners, this rebuilt retreat offers something increasingly rare: a place where the landscapes take centre stage and the days unfold at nature’s pace.

The Best Hotels for a Christmas Escape

December 1, 2025

Whether you want a tree waiting in your suite, a Christmas morning spent snorkelling with sea turtles, or a fireside feast in Bavaria, there’s a perfect December escape calling your name.

For some, the perfect Christmas morning smells like pine trees and cinnamon rolls. For others, it smells like sunscreen and a piña colada. If the idea of swapping snow boots for sandals feels more your style — or you just can’t imagine hosting another extended family dinner — a December escape might be the best gift you can give yourself. If you’re ready to skip the tradition and hit the airport, here are six hotels around the world offering festive packages to get in the holiday spirit from abroad.

1. Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa — Maui, Hawai‘i

For: Sun, snorkelling, and a Santa who arrives by outrigger canoe.
Maui doesn’t do a subtle Christmas, and the Hyatt Regency’s Mele Kalikimaka Celebration in Paradise package embraces that energy. Guests can book a six-night stay in an ocean-facing room and get airport transfers, nightly turndown surprises, private cabana access, and a dedicated Christmas tree waiting in their room. Add in festive luaus, holiday cocktails, and prime stargazing — Maui has one of the clearest skies in North America — and this becomes the ultimate destination for Christmas in paradise.

2. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess — Scottsdale, Arizona

For: A full-throttle desert Christmas with ice skating, 6 million lights and nightly snowfall.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes all out for the holidays. As in, “North Pole meets Arizona desert”. Their annual Christmas at the Princess festival turns the resort into a massive light-filled playground: fire pits for s’mores, a 95-foot tree, Ferris wheel, tubing slides, plus an actual ice rink and nightly “snowfalls” (yes, in the desert). Add festive dining pop-ups, kid-friendly activities (like cookies with Mrs. Claus), golf rounds, and spa days for adults who need a holiday exhale, and it’s one of the most delightfully over-the-top places to spend Christmas in the U.S.

3. Schloss Elmau — Bavaria, Germany

For: A storybook European Christmas with actual alpine magic.
If your inner child longs still dreams about Narnia, Schloss Elmau delivers: grand halls, live classical concerts, snow-dusted forests and nightly feasts that feel plucked from a fairytale. Their holiday programming usually includes curling, skiing, yoga, dog sledding, and enough culture to make the entire week feel gently enriching. There’s also a family-friendly spa and ultra-cozy suites for post-feast naps.

4. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai — Thailand

For: Festive season meets rice paddies and slow living.
A dreamy option for travellers who crave something atmospheric but not overtly “holiday.” At the Four Seasons Chiang Mai, December brings lantern-lit nights, cooking classes with local chefs, spa rituals infused with Thai botanicals, and a Christmas dinner served overlooking rice fields. It’s warm, serene, and wonderfully grounding — an antidote to consumer season.

5. The Plaza — New York City, USA

For: A classic, over-the-top, movie-moment Christmas in Manhattan.
If your ideal Christmas looks like a scene from a golden-age holiday film, The Plaza does it better than almost anywhere. Each December, the hotel transforms its Fifth Avenue lobby into a glittering spectacle that includes a towering tree, garlands draped along marble balconies, and enough sparkle to make even lifelong New Yorkers stop and stare. Festivities centre around the hotel’s famed Holiday Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, complete with tiered trays of pastries, champagne and live piano. Step outside and the whole city becomes part of the celebration: Central Park dusted in snow, the Rockefeller Center tree, Fifth Avenue’s iconic window displays and ice-skating rinks all within a short walk.

6. Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo — Monaco

For: A Riviera Christmas with Champagne, caviar, and twinkling lights.
Monaco in December is magical, with mild Mediterranean weather, glittering harbour markets, and Belle Époque buildings dressed in holiday lights. At the chic Hôtel Hermitage, the season comes alive through a series of festive traditions: a lavish Christmas Afternoon Tea in the hotel’s ornate Belle Époque salon, complete with pastries, kid-friendly workshops and a visit from Santa; holiday menus at Michelin-starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno; and Christmas Day buffets served under sparkling chandeliers. Step outside and you’re moments from Monaco’s seafront Christmas village, complete with stalls, decorations and seaside lights.

Guatemala by Design

December 1, 2025

From Antigua to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala reveals a balance of raw beauty and refined details.

By Renée Morrison

Stepping into Villa Bokéh in Antigua Guatemala feels like slipping into a secret garden. It’s just minutes from the bustling cobblestoned streets of the town centre, but past the unassuming entry gates lies a six-acre haven. With views of the twin volcanoes Agua and Fuego, manicured gardens of bamboo and birds of paradise surround a pond with three resident ducks, and a sleek pool is tucked into a lush corner. The hotel itself, designed by local Paliare Studio and featuring artwork from the private collection of owner Claudia Bosch, has 15 suites—each its own palette of colour, texture, craft—and sets the tone for a trip defined by design.

My Olive Suite pairs soft greens and white linens with woven accents, plus a private patio and fire pit. Here, the thoughtful touches extend beyond design: one night, a lavender eye mask and aromatherapy diffuser appear alongside local honey sweets; the next, a woven pouch of tiny Mayan worry dolls, said to take away your stresses if whispered to before bed.

Stepping beyond Villa Bokéh’s gates, Antigua mirrors that same dialogue between past and present. Once the Spanish colonial capital, this UNESCO-listed city is famed for its barroco antigueño, a local take on Spanish Baroque adapted to withstand earthquakes. Thick adobe walls, low arches and sturdy columns meet delicate stucco façades, while Mudéjar-inspired tiles and arched windows—echoes of Arabic Spain—soften the geometry. On a walking tour, Antigua reads like a living design textbook: Mayan, Spanish and Moorish influences shaped by time and tremor.

In the bustling Parque La Unión, we stop at the Tanque, a public washbasin built in 1853 where women once aired out their laundry both literally and figuratively. A few blocks away, we step into a verdant courtyard that looks like a bohemian boutique hotel, only to find it’s a Starbucks (worth a photo, but head to Artista de Café for your caffeine fix). Nearby, Casa del Jade offers a fascinating primer on the stone’s cultural importance, a mini museum of original ceremonial artefacts, and a boutique selling contemporary jewellery.

On our final evening, back at Villa Bokéh, I climb a spiral staircase to the Honesty Bar—a tiny, unmanned gem that opens onto a rooftop terrace overlooking the gardens. We mix cocktails with local Zacapa Rum as the sun fades behind the volcanoes. Then, suddenly, the sky lights up with fireworks. They’re part of an engagement happening elsewhere on the property, doubling as a celebratory send-off.

From City to Stillness

The next morning, a two-and-a-half-hour drive through the highlands brings us to Lake Atitlán, an immense volcanic caldera lake ringed by three imposing volcanoes. The landscape is enough to rewire your sense of scale. Perched on the mountainside facing the lake, Casa Palopó is modest from its façade, but as I’ve learned, much of Guatemala’s beauty lies beyond first impressions.

Inside, the sprawling property is bold yet refined, courtesy of Guatemalan designer Katy Jay. Colour reigns: cobalt, ochre and red on the walls, terracotta floors, patterned textiles. In the restaurant, vines of fuchsia and aquamarine blossoms hang overhead as hummingbirds dart around the open terrace. My room, beside a library stacked with vintage travel and décor magazines, opens onto a claw-foot outdoor tub facing the lake—a private theatre for volcano sunsets.

But that will have to wait. When the hotel’s private three-bedroom villa isn’t booked, guests can slip into its stone-clad infinity pool that feels lifted from a Slim Aarons photograph. So I do, watching my first Lake Atitlán sunset from the hot tub as faint Spanish lounge music drifts through hidden speakers. Later, we take the funicular down to Kinnik, the lakefront restaurant in a sleek glass-and-stone pavilion. Dinner is perfectly medium-rare beef asado, gorgonzola-roasted cauliflower, grilled vegetables and fresh tortillas—hand-pressed just steps away from our table. It’s one of those meals that quietly ruins you for others.

By day, in the neighbouring town of Santa Ca- tarina Palopó, we see how design is being used as a force for change. The Pintando Santa Ca- tarina Palopó project—an initiative led by Grupo Alta, the ownership group behind the hotel—is transforming this lakeside town of roughly 5,000 Kaqchikel Maya residents into a living canvas. With plans to paint more than 950 façades in bold geometric patterns inspired by ancestral textiles, the project revives local pride, creates jobs, and turns the town into a cultural landmark. Guests at Casa Palopó can even volunteer to help paint.

Inside By Katy Jay, the hotel designer’s boutique in Santa Catarina, shelves display artisanal pieces like wooden serving pieces, woven baskets and ceramic bowls, each representing the region’s craft traditions. I’m invited to try my hand at weaving on a miniature telar de cintura (traditional backstrap loom). My guide explains how cotton threads are dyed with natural pigments—hibiscus for purples, chipilín leaves for greens and cochineal insects for reds—before showing me how to weave them into a bracelet to take home.

Our final night brings something sacred. At sunset, we meet our Mayan shaman, Tomas, for a private fire ceremony on the hotel terrace. We sit around a circular altar of flowers, corn and candles as he takes our birth dates to reveal our nahuales—Mayan spirit companions—before guiding us through a cleansing ritual. The fire crackles as the sky shifts from coral to black, and I can’t imagine a more meaningful ending than this glimpse into living Maya culture, which has been threaded into almost every textile, turndown and tour stop of my trip.

Later, returning to my suite, I find the al fresco bath drawn with rose petals, the same hue as those in the altar. It’s a simple gesture, and one any guest can request, but in context, it feels like magic. In Guatemala, as in design, it’s all in the details.

The List

Where to Stay
Villa Bokéh (Antigua) and Casa Palopó (Lake Atitlán), which features its own heli-pad for 30-minute air transfers that can be arranged by the hotel.

What to Eat
Shrimp ceviche (Casa Cristal at Villa Bokéh); Fagottini stuffed with icha-j pá sakil (6.8 Restaurant at Casa Palopó); Beef asado (Kinnik at Casa Palopó)

What to Do
Take a 20-minute boat ride to the artisan village of San Juan La Laguna for locally made chocolate, coffee, ceramics and handwoven goods.

What to Drink
Exceptional coffee, grown in volcanic soil; a cocktail made with Zacapa rum

What to Bring Back
Salted 70% chocolate from Xocolatl (San Juan La Laguna); a woven throw or tortilla basket (Santa Catarina); a carved charm featuring your Mayan nahual from Casa del Jade (Antigua).

Toronto’s Ace Hotel is Transforming its Rooftop into a Winter Chalet

November 18, 2025

Toronto may be deep in hibernation by December, but one downtown hotel is determined to pull travellers and locals back out of it – in the best way. Ace Hotel Toronto has launched an entire season of winter happenings, anchored by the return of its rooftop Winter Chalet pop-up and, yes, actual outdoor curling overlooking the city.

From December 2 through February 28, the hotel transforms its rooftop bar, Evangeline, into a cozy indoor-outdoor chalet experience complete with twinkling lights, warming cocktails, blankets and fire pits. The star: a brand-new Lot 40 outdoor curling rink that lets you play a match set against the Toronto skyline. Thirty-minute sessions are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis – ideal for travellers looking for a fun, spontaneous winter activity between meals and museums.

Those who prefer to spectate (or sip) can linger inside with seasonal drinks, curated snacks and the kind of hygge-leaning ambiance that makes you forget you’re several storeys above the city streets. Evangeline is also debuting a cocktail lineup designed for cold-weather comfort, courtesy of bar manager Aaron Hatchell. Expect aromatic flavours, mulled wine, a classic hot toddy and a “Smooth O-pear-ator,” a non-alcoholic pear-and-winter-spice cocktail. Reservations for the bar are highly recommended.

Fireside Workshops, Design Collabs, and a Festive DJ Series

Within the hotel, Ace has programmed a full slate of festive events:

Wreath-Making With Philia Flora

December 16, 6–8 p.m.
Create your own wreath using seasonal botanicals at this hands-on workshop led by Toronto floral designer Philia Flora. Tickets will be available via the Ace website.

Jingle Bell Hop Holiday Takeover

December 20, 10 p.m.
A one-night holiday bash with festive cocktails, cosy beats and a playful, over-the-top holiday aesthetic — think DJs, dancing and winter-themed indulgence. Tickets ($10) are now on sale.

Cool Intentions: A New Year’s Eve Party at The Lobby

December 31, 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Ace Hotel’s NYE celebration takes over the Lobby bar for a night of music, cocktails and a low-key-cool atmosphere. Early bird tickets ($25, then $40) are now available.

Alpine Noir: NYE at Evangeline

December 31, 10 p.m.–3 a.m.
For a more elevated option, Evangeline hosts Alpine Noir, a high-altitude celebration with DJ sets, photobooths, dance-party energy and a fashionable dress code. Tickets include bubbles at midnight plus access to the new DJ booth overlooking Toronto’s skyline. Early bird tickets start at $120.

Checking In: Union Hotel Toronto

November 4, 2025

A stylish boutique stay steps from Union Station brings art, design and a touch of literary flair to the city’s core.

Tucked inside a restored heritage building on York Street, Union Hotel Toronto feels like the kind of downtown stay Toronto’s been missing—creative, comfortable and just the right amount of cool. With 189 rooms, a café-lounge that hums from morning to night, and design rooted in local makers, it’s a modern nod to the city’s artsy side.

The vibe is easy-going yet polished with warm lighting, mid-century oak furniture, soft neutrals and pops of colour from Canadian artwork. The lobby has plenty of seating, and a suspended fireplace adds a sleek and cozy touch. Every room features original pieces that tell a bit of the city’s story: Emily May Rose’s cheeky raccoons, Victoria Day’s train-station homage and Hello Kirsten’s vibrant nod to the neighbourhood’s textile roots. Together, they make the place feel less like a hotel and more like a cool friend’s apartment.

Rooms come in four styles—Chic, Groovy, Swanky and the Posh Suite—each with small but thoughtful touches: Routine amenities, Fellow kettles for your tea ritual, and Loftie sound machines that help you drift off after a night in the city. Local studio Whence co-designed many of the in-room details, while circular-design pieces by Cyrc (soap dishes, trays and tissue boxes) keep sustainability in the mix.

Downstairs, Humble Donkey anchors the lobby and doubles as a great coworking space. By day, it’s fuelled by Sam James Coffee Bar espresso and Circles and Squares Bakery; by night, when the lights dim, flatbreads and martinis appear on the menu. Upstairs, there’s The 6ix, a flexible social space with a courtyard for events.

A literary twist gives the stay extra heart: every room includes a Giller Prize–listed or winning book, with a mini CanLit library waiting by the front desk. And don’t check out without browsing the lobby’s UH Marketplace, where you can grab locally made souvenirs like an upcycled denim tote by designer Gino Marocco.

Union Hotel Toronto manages to be central but not basic. It’s a stylish, quietly playful stay that celebrates the city’s art, design and character in all the right ways.

It’s in the Details

Locally made Routine bath products, custom furniture by Whence, and upcycled denim totes from Gino Marocco keep every corner grounded in Toronto craftsmanship.

On the Menu

At Humble Donkey, start with a latte and a Breadhead croissant, then circle back for truffle fries, the Donkey Burger and an espresso martini.

What to Do Nearby

Stroll ten minutes south to The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery on the waterfront for rotating exhibits and installations. In the evening, catch an indie screening at TIFF Lightbox, about a 15-minute walk west on King Street.

Room to Book

The Posh Suite offers extra space, a sitting area and curated local art.

The Hottest New Caribbean Resort Openings to Watch This Season

October 7, 2025

The Caribbean continues to expand its luxury portfolio with an impressive lineup of brand-new properties that deserve a place on your radar. These four resorts are among the season’s most coveted debuts — each offering irresistible inspiration to start planning your next escape.

Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Since its August 2025 debut, this adults-only escape has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most buzzed-about openings. Its 500 rooms start at a generous 592 square feet, with the showstoppers being the beachfront suites, where your private terrace leads straight to the sand. Expansive infinity pools seem to spill into the Punta Cana coastline, while 11 distinct restaurants keep every craving satisfied. Add in a full-service spa and a serene, grown-ups-only vibe, and you’ve got a sophisticated sanctuary made for unwinding in style.

Playa Luxury Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

Since opening in February 2025, this property has made history as Cuba’s first resort featuring overwater villas. The adults-only sanctuary on Playa Pilar showcases 252 meticulously appointed rooms, including six overwater villas with private infinity pools suspended above crystal-clear waters. The 24-hour butler service and personalized concierge attention reflect a commitment to service excellence, while four restaurants and exclusive beach areas create an intimate luxury experience in Cuba. Managed by Gaviota, the resort marks an exciting new chapter in Cuban hospitality.

Princess Senses The Mangrove, Jamaica

This spectacular resort, which opened in September 2024, has quickly become a crown jewel of Jamaica’s luxury scene. Part of a larger complex with Princess Grand Jamaica next door, the resort encompasses 401 oceanview suites and 14 overwater villas with private infinity pools. The impressive 19,376-square-foot spa complex and six pools create an environment where wellness and indulgence converge beautifully. Guests enjoy access to 14 restaurants and 15 bars across both Princess Senses The Mangrove and the adjacent Princess Grand Jamaica, ensuring endless culinary options, while exclusive Platinum Club room categories elevate the experience through dedicated butler attention and VIP amenities and services.

Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Set to welcome its first guests by year’s end, this 500-room adults-only resort brings a refreshingly modern spin to Caribbean luxury. Embracing a “flexibility over formality” ethos, it caters to travellers who value authentic experiences and laid-back sophistication. Four pools — plus swim-out suites — pair with five specialty restaurants and a speakeasy-style jazz club, while activities like paddleboard yoga, kite-making workshops, and tours of the resort’s eco-garden blend indulgence with a genuine sense of place.

These standout openings reflect the Caribbean’s ongoing evolution as a premier luxury destination, each delivering fresh experiences, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities. With Sunwing Vacations, getting there is effortless thanks to all-inclusive packages from major Canadian gateways, complete with flights, transfers, and every detail handled for a seamless escape.