Checking in: the latest hotel and resort news
Main photos courtesy of Wymara Turks & Caicos
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
An overview of the latest in hotel and resort news in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and North America.
Following a renovation and the first phase of luxury villas overlooking the colourful waters of Turks and Caicos, Wymara Resort and Villas also has new ownership as long-time Managing Director and Canadian Bruce Maclaren has purchased the shares of former co-owner Rob Ayer, with equity investor Sterling Global Financial.
“A few years ago, we made the bold decision to undertake a significant room renovation to lift our room product at the resort to match the design and standard of the villas,” says Maclaren. “Now, as travel roars back, we are welcoming guests to a virtually new hotel – one of the finest in Turks and Caicos and now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.”
Phase two of the luxurious multi-million-dollar Wymara villas – one of which features a slide from the deck to the ocean – is currently underway. There is also a newly opened sports club for the exclusive use of villa guests, which includes a lap pool, fully equipped gym, and lounging areas.
“As a Canadian-owned hotel we are, of course, delighted to welcome back Canadian visitors to Wymara. We think they will be pleasantly surprised by our remarkable renovations,” says Jorge Collazo, General Manager, Wymara Resort and Villas, “and we cannot wait for their return.”
“With regularly scheduled flights from Canada with both Air Canada and WestJet, we’re an easy four hour non-stop flight away,” he says. “As a prior Director of Sales and Marketing, I’ve been visiting agencies in Canada for many years and nothing pleases me more than to assist Travel Advisors build back their business. They contact me directly often and I go out of my way to ensure their clients know that myself and our entire Wymara team is here to assist them.”
AMATTE Wellnest Community is the newest hotel property in San Miguel de Allende, elevating the wellness offering in the fan-favourite city. Opened in December, the property was built under the guidance of Japanese architect Shinji Miyazaki using sustainable materials mostly based on chukum, a limestone-based stucco mixed with resin from chukum trees, semi-hardwood thorny trees native to the Yucatán.
“The concept of AMATTE Wellnest Community is to provide a space where its guests and visitors can enter a ‘nest’ of well-being, enjoyment and good living,” said Carlos Moreno, General Manager.
The design incorporates the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, or accepting imperfections. Each of the spaces in this “nest” was created thinking about how guests will experience it, from the timeless beauty of its architecture, bold furniture pieces, sensual rain showers and the pleasing circuit guests make on the terrace, one of the most admired in San Miguel and an ideal spot for contemplating the region’s exquisite sunsets.
The 34-guest room building is divided by units comprising eight different categories: Studio, Studio Deluxe, Junior Suite, Junior Suite Colonial, Junior Suite Deluxe, Double Master Suite, Colonial Residence and a complete, two-story Villa. Room features include biodegradable bathroom amenities, spectacular rain showers and air conditioning.
AMATTE Wellnest Community offers a terrace with orchard; a dipping pool; fitness center with Life fitness equipment; a spa; a wine cellar, or cava; mixology bars and two restaurants — Piso 71, serving breakfast and lunch, and the flagship HACMANS restaurant. The latter has been carefully designed by renowned Chef Drew Deckman, who has been awarded a Michelin star. HACMANS’ sustainable and farm-to-table menu is cooked in firewood.
The hotel concierge can arrange activities both on and off the property, such as vineyard tours, horseback riding, balloon flights and visits to hot springs and the UNESCO Heritage site of Santuario de Atotonilco. The closest airport is Querétaro Intercontinental (QRO), about a 45-minute drive away, the the property also provides transfers to and from Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) near León and Mexico City International (MEX).
AMATTE Wellnest Community is located on a hillside, on the east side of Salida a Real Querétaro #168, 10 minutes from the town’s main garden. The hotel provides complimentary transportation to the center of San Miguel de Allende. Nightly room rates start at $265 USD.
Nobu Hotel Atlanta
Set to open this October, Nobu Hotels’ expansion plans continue in Atlanta. Located in the Phipps Plaza, Nobu Hotels has partnered with Simon Property Group to launch a new Nobu Hotel & Restaurant in the versatile development in Atlanta. Nobu Hotel Atlanta will be integrated into the existing footprint of the upscale shopping destination with a curated dining experience, a 90,000 square-foot Life Time Athletic healthy living and entertainment destination, and a 12-story Class A office building, complete with a three-story lower level car park.
Moxy Athens City
For Greece bound clients, Moxy Athens City has officially opened its doors. Located by Stadiou Street, the perfect starting point to discover the wonders of Athens from the Acropolis and the Parthenon to the picturesque neighbourhood of Plaka. Upon arrival at the fun and boldly designed hotel, guests are welcomed with a check-in at Bar Moxy, complete with a complimentary “Got Moxy” cocktail.
The hotel’s 200+1 tech-savvy guestrooms feature walk-in showers, LED lighting and smart technology. The hotel’s rooftop penthouse can be booked as a suite or private entertainment venue, offering expansive views of the Acropolis and beyond from its large terrace.
The buzzing bar is also a communal hub in the lobby where guests can socialize. Moxy’s 24/7, self-service, grab-and-go concept gives guests access to what they want, whenever they want, with options including snacks, fresh juice, coffee, wine and beer.
Another important innovation of Moxy Athens City is its LEED Gold certification, making it the first “green” hotel in Greece that will receive this distinction.
Moxy Athens City marks Marriott International’s ninth hotel opening in Athens.
