At first, February didn’t seem like the craziest month for hotel news. Well that’s up to Hyatt announced it was drastically altering its beloved awards list expand to five price levels (from “lowest” to “highest”) from its previous “peak”, “standard” and “off-peak” method. It’s not the worst news in the world, but the change could lead to significantly higher redemptions, especially at top-tier hotels during peak periods. The good news, however, is that these changes won’t start rolling out until May, so there’s still time to lock in the properties you’ve been eyeing for a while.
The shortest month of the year also had other great news, such as opening of Alila Mayakoba in Mexico (which we will review soon!), the launch of a new IHG brand (it’s the 21st, to be exact) and Chase adds Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner.
Here’s some other hotel news you might want to know about as we wrap up February.
A spa in a cave and a spa near a lake
There are few things in life I love more than a spa. Seriously, is there anything better than taking a few hours for yourself (or with your friends or partner) to connect with your mind, body and soul? (Okay, honestly, as much as I love spas, spa music makes me very anxious. Can we get an auxiliary cable in the treatment room?)
This year I have my eye on two exciting hotel spas located in two totally different parts of the world.
First of all, in Italy, the Lake Como Edition will open its Longevity Spa in March. The gorgeous space features seven treatment rooms and looks almost straight out of Oz. The spa specializes in longevity, biohacking and anti-aging treatments, such as the Ultimate Biohacking experience that combines dry flotation therapy, infrared technology and hydrogen and oxygen therapy to help with sleep, immunity, inflammation, collagen production and elasticity.
In Utah, Hyatt’s Ulum Moab is introducing a massage cave, described as a “stunning rock cave sanctuary” that “maintains a naturally balanced room temperature, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort within its tranquil, land-surrounded setting,” according to a statement from Under Canvas, the hospitality brand behind the luxury glamping resort. After a long day exploring Moab’s otherworldly sights, head to the massage cave to enjoy a variety of treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages. I know I would.
This southern hotel offers cookies a la carte.
One of the few things I love more than a spa is… a cookie. I guess that’s the Texan in me. That said, I’m considering a trip to Hotel Alida, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel in Savannah, Georgia, which is launching a new in-room feature called the “Biscuit Button.” Okay, so it’s actually a QR code, but all you have to do is scan it between 7am and 2pm, and for just $10 they’ll deliver a tray of cookies, butter, and jam right to your room.
Andaz heads to the mountains
We’ll have to wait until 2029, but Hyatt’s Andaz brand plans to open an 85-room resort in Heber Valley, Utah. Andaz Heber Valley, which will be Andaz’s first alpine property, is sure to be a great new property for people with World of Hyatt points who want easy access to some of Utah’s most exciting slopes.
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A Conrad will open in the Portuguese Algarve
In 2027, Hilton will open the Conrad Meia Praia Algarve on Meia Praia Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the southern city of Lagos. Once open, the resort will offer 116 ocean-view rooms and suites, two restaurants, a beach club, an outdoor pool with a bar, an indoor pool, a spa and a fitness center.
Unfortunately, I haven’t visited Portugal yet, but this new Hilton Honors property could be the perfect excuse to hit the country’s beautiful beaches and put my Diamond elite status to the test.
Related: Elegant design, incredible views – a fabulous stay at the W Algarve
Hilton’s new onsen resort in Vietnam
Remember when I said I love spas? In northern Vietnam, the new Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort has me planning a trip to Southeast Asia. Located in the Quang Hanh Mountains, about 30 minutes from the famous Ha Long Bay, the resort features 178 villas, 38 rooms, and countless ways to relax, including access to Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh’s many baths, a spa, and an indoor pool. The resort also offers a modern Japanese restaurant, an all-day restaurant with Western and Asian options, and the opportunity to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points.
Mandarin Oriental bets heavily on Egypt
For me, Egypt was a life-changing trip and I will cherish the memories of sailing the Nile, standing in the shadow of the pyramids and eating fresh falafel every morning for the rest of my life.
Now, Mandarin Oriental wants you to do the same. The Hong Kong-based hotel brand will reopen the Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo in 2027; acquire and renovate properties in Aswan and Luxor; and the debut of a branded river cruise that will sail the Nile.
For me, the most exciting news is the Aswan property, where the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract will be transformed into another Mandarin Oriental. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to stay at this palatial property, I ended my trip to Egypt with sunset cocktails overlooking the riverside resort, and I’m looking forward to spending more time there once the renovations are complete.
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