New Year, New Hotels & New Trends

Hi Maralyn,

We are excited to share the biggest news and leading hospitality and lifestyle trends on the 2016 horizon. This year, Arizona is seeing a hotel boom, and prominent new luxury hotels will open their doors in Charleston, Washington, DC and Dubai. Acclaimed properties across the globe are getting refreshed and renovated. Resorts are warming up to expanded and creative wellness offerings, and chefs are turning up the heat with innovative spices and flavors. JPR has curated our list of 2016’s top travel trends and news with some stellar examples from our clients:

• Masterpiece Travel
• Soak it In
• Rise & Shine
• To the Moon and Back
• Game On
• She’s Hitting the Slopes
• Glow on the GO
• Turn up the Heat

Following is more information on each of the new hotel openings and renovations, plus more detail on the trends we are predicting for the year ahead. Please let me know if I can provide additional information on any of the properties or brands. Wishing you a happy holiday season and best wishes for an excellent New Year.

Best,
Kristen

HOTEL OPENINGS

PHOENIX – The Camby Hotel, opening late December 2015
A playful mix of the professional and the avant-garde, The Camby Hotel is Arizona’s first hotel from Autograph Collection Hotels. The hotel name is inspired by its location near the city’s iconic Camelback Mountain. Led by Stonewall & Taylor and inspired by the desert landscape, the artfully designed hotel incorporates the five C’s of Arizona – cattle, copper, citrus, climate, and cotton. These elements shape The Camby Hotel’s identity and guest experiences blending imagination, sophistication and statement-making designs. Travelers and locals will enjoy 277 luxury revamped rooms, a fresh rooftop pool experience, a boutique spa, an expanded contemporary fitness center, more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, and three innovative food and beverage outlets – Artizen, Crafted American Kitchen & Bar, The Bee’s Knees, and Revelry Rooftop Bar.

CHARLESTON – The Restoration, opening March 2016
Located on historic King Street, the hotel is undergoing a total metamorphosis. The new 54-key hotel will offer a sophisticated – yet quirky – pied-à-terre experience focused on reviving southern traditions for the modern elite traveler. From an exclusive amenity line from Beekman 1802, to a Culture Library with Assouline books, a Toby’s Estate Coffee shop and Martone bicycles for guests, the new Restoration is rich with timeless and trending partners to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Comprised of five buildings – four of them dating from as early as the 19th century – the hotel will offer a variety of outlets, including The Watch rooftop restaurant, Amethyst Spa, The Rise coffee bar and a luxury retail shop called The Port Mercantile.

PHOENIX – FOUND:RE, opening Spring 2016
Opening in Downtown Phoenix, the 105-room brand new lifestyle hotel will be a one-of-a-kind experience with details, designs, public spaces and amenities inspired by contemporary art, culture, fashion and music. The hotel will enhance the city’s arts offerings with an impressive collection of contemporary art, let by Cultural Curator Michael Oleskow, and creative guest programming woven into the guest experience. The hotel will have an on-site restaurant offering a creative menu of sharable plates focusing on eclectic, globally-inspired street food. FOUND:RE will be another layer of creativity in Phoenix’s growing art community, embracing its urban location with nearby art galleries, the Phoenix Art Museum and creative pop-ups.

WASHINGTON, DC – Trump International Hotel, opening Fall 2016
The Trump Organization’s $200 million redevelopment of the historic Old Post Office building makes it one of the largest hotel projects of 2016 with 263 guestrooms and suites. Dating back to 1899, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – the significant investment is set to restore Old Post Office to its former architectural grandeur, re-born as the city’s most luxurious hotel, worth of hosting heads of state, celebrities, dignitaries and well-heeled business and leisure travelers. Seen as a generational asset to the Trump family, with Ivanka Trump at the helm, the new hotel will anchor the Northwest end of Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House.

DUBAI – Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah, opening late 2016
Jumeirah’s new hotel at Madinat Jumeirah, the Arabian resort of Dubai, is scheduled to open in 2016 and will be known as Jumeirah Al Naseem. The opening of the new hotel will mark the completion of one of the world’s finest luxury resorts and will have 430 luxurious rooms and suites, complete with rain showers, floor-to-ceiling windows and private outdoor terraces. The hotel is set among lush, landscaped gardens and offers three large swimming pools and private beach access.

MAJOR HOTEL RENOVATIONS

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, completion December 2015
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will debut a multi-million dollar renovation of the property this month, helmed by architect and interior designer, Streetsense. The renovation includes a new restaurant and bar, an overhaul of the lobby and common spaces, new retail outlets, and improvements to the Spa.

LANAI – Four Seasons Resort Lanai, completion February 2016
The hotel, located on a pristine and exclusive island a few miles west of Maui, will unveil a comprehensive, multi-million dollar lobby-to-roof renovation. Highlights include 217 redesigned guestrooms including 51 suites, newly refurbished lobbies and seating areas, additional dining experiences including the award-winning NOBU Lanai and ONE FORTY, American Steak, Hawaiian Seafood, a renovated spa, luxury retail boutiques, a newly outfitted Pro Shop at the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Manele Golf Course along with the addition of a luxury transfer fleet.

PHILADELPHIA – The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, completion Spring 2016
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, a storied hotel on the Avenue of the Arts, will undergo a massive renovation beginning later this year. Helmed by architect and interior designer Wimberly Interiors, the updates to the hotel will include all new guest rooms and meeting spaces, a refreshed lobby experience and public spaces, along with a new restaurant, bar and lounge.

CHICAGO – The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, completion Spring 2016
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is redefining luxury standards on the Magnificent Mile with several enhancements to further enrich the style, sophistication and tradition of the Ritz-Carlton guest experience. This refashioning includes the addition of a Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a Ritz-Carlton brand standard, updating suites and corridors, and upgrading to a state-of-the-art fitness center.

CAMBRIDGE, MA – The Charles Hotel, completion Spring 2016
The 295-room property located in the heart of Harvard Square, is the smart place to stay with its classic New England design, unpretentious service and one-of-a-kind accommodations. The guest rooms at The Charles are about to get even smarter, as the hotel recently began a property-wide guest room renovation, including new furniture, Carrara marble bathrooms, “smart sleeper” mattresses, an energy saving light system and enhanced amenities like 55″ TV screens and curated superfood minibars.

MONTAUK, NY – Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater, completion Spring 2016
Following last year’s extensive renovation and refresh, Gurney’s will unveil forty-two luxury rooms this spring, all with dramatic ocean views. The redesigned accommodations will offer fresh amenities and a new look to be enjoyed by loyal and new guests alike. Situated on Montauk’s most pristine stretch of oceanfront real estate, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a Hampton’s institution and the only four-season resort on Montauk.

2016 TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE TRENDS

Masterpiece Travel. Travelers revel in a night at the museum.
Travelers around the globe are indulging in hotel experiences featuring impressive works of art and bespoke collections. Ed Ruscha, Nancy Rubins, Deborah Butterfield, Larry Bell, Sol LeWitt, Jim Dine and Kiki Smith, plus a specially commissioned 22,000 LED light installation by Leo Villareal, are among more than 30 artists who have pieces woven throughout the entire guest experience at Denver’s new ART Hotel. The FOUND:RE Hotel, opening in spring 2016 in Phoenix, will be a one-of-a-kind lifestyle hotel experience with details, designs, public spaces and amenities inspired by contemporary art, culture, fashion and music, with curated pieces from the talents of renowned photographer James “Chip” Thomas, musician turned artist Fred Tieken and more. Guests can explore the exclusive art collection on loan from the Diana Lowenstein Gallery in Wynwood at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. The exhibit features Latin American and European art displayed throughout the property, including the larger than life lobby installation titled “Light and Paper,” the work of German sculptor Angela Glajcar. New for 2016, Triumph Hotels – a collection of seven boutique hotels in New York City – will launch an “artist-in-residence” program that will capitalize on each hotel’s “New York-centric” personality and neighborhood. Twin Farms, an all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux property, has an on-site “Art Concierge” that takes art-savvy guests on tours of the property’s art collection. Concealed throughout The Royal Suite at The Goring is a truly unique collection of Royal artifacts. From handwritten letters and stationery to military regalia, these objects of Royal lineage have been carefully concealed behind presentation glass and hidden within the suite for guests to discover during their stay.

Soak it in. Spas offer guests peaceful moments to bask and bathe.
At Rancho La Puerta, guests have the option to float in a bath of sound flowing from crystal bowls that are tuned to the physical and consciousness centers of the body. Crystal bowls emit pure sound waves that resonate throughout the body’s tissues and organs. Located on the majestic coastline of Nusa Dua, The Mulia Spa in Bali adapts the principal of the ancient spa wisdom: Senus Per Aquam, or healing through water, and begins each session with a Tibetan singing bowl that circles the body to create a deep sense of peace using vibrational energy that rhythmically balances and harmonizes the body. A tranquil escape in the midst of an urban destination, the intimate Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, recently introduced Tibetan Sound Massage or ‘singing bowls’ for a healing moment. The spa at Mayflower Grace and L’Auberge de Sedona both recently introduced Forest Bathing (or Shinrin-yoku) which promotes health and wellness by integrating the natural outdoor world with the mindful practice of present moment hiking by engaging all the senses. Exclusive to Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah, the AlphaSphere Deluxe by artist SHA enhances sensual perception by providing a unique quality of deep relaxation with an inspiring and energizing effect. Focusing on human senses it creates a whole body and mind experience for a simultaneous perception of sound, color, light, vibration, touch, temperature and smell. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa offers Thalasso programs that have guests soaking in the indoor sand-filtered, ocean-fed, heated seawater pool offering both preventative and curative benefits.

Rise and Shine. Hotels create sunrise splendor.
Travelers are enjoying experiences that begin at daybreak, rising with the sun to discover the destination. On Mackinac Island at Mission Point Resort, guest can view the spectacular sunrise over Lake Huron with a Sun-Up session hike followed by a breakfast picnic. Travelers to the ART Hotel in Denver can start their day with an urban run through downtown Denver. The hotel provides their specially designed running map with a route of the city’s best public art pieces. Sunrise Seaside cabanas at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offer a tranquil start to the day with 50- or 80-minute signature organic massages while listening to the sounds of the Atlantic. Hikers experiencing Mountain Trek’s weeklong health retreat in Nelson, BC begin each morning at sunrise with a stretch and yoga session overlooking sparkling Kootenay Lake.

To the Moon and Back. Lunar inspired spa and wellness experiences.
At the Luna y Mar Spa at The Resort at Pedregal, its signature moon treatments represent the varying energies of the lunar phases. The Awakening Moon body treatment reflects the new moon phase with renewal and self-discovery benefits. At The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, its The Lunar spa treatment coincides with the four phases of the moon – waning, new, waxing, full – and includes a sea salt exfoliation, rejuvenating facial, body polish treatment and fully body massage with hydrotherapy bath. Talise Spa experts at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai lead guests through a journey of inner peace with full moon yoga on the beach. The crashing waves complemented by soothing classical music calms the senses and enhances the experience of self-discovery. Spiritual seekers at L’Auberge de Sedona can participate in moonlight mediation. Sessions are held around full moon phases at Serenity Point, the resort’s outdoor spiritual space alongside Oak Creek. Guests at The Palms Turks and Caicos can moon bath on lounge chairs directly on Grace Bay Beach while enjoying with mini spa treatments and after-dinner cocktails.

Game On. Let’s Get Social.
Leading hotels and resorts are offering lawn games and group activities that give travelers a new way to spark conversations and connections. The 8,400 square foot croquet lawn at the luxury Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa invites guests to enjoy a glass of rose or chardonnay while socializing over a round of croquet and soaking up the SoCal sunsets. Grand Geneva Resort & Spa recently opened The Adventure Center, offering social games throughout the year including lawn games and disc golf. At Arizona’s largest dude ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch, the new pickleball courts provide social fun for families and adults alike or guests can try their social gaming skills over horseshoes and team penning. The Westin Lake Las Vegas recently opened its Family Fun Center, an outdoor patio at Rick’s Cafe where guests can play Ping Pong or giant chess while enjoying bites and sips from the café, while the Adult Playground at The Embassy Row Hotel gets guests socializing with its foosball table, ping pong and other playful leisure options. Alternatively, guests can head up to the only rooftop bar in Dupont Circle and challenge fellow guests to one of the life-sized games. With a rotating schedule of group activities, guests of the adults-only, all-inclusive resort Marquis Los Cabos can connect over bingo, poker, bag toss and bocce ball. The Garland’s recent $20 million renovation included the introduction of Beverly Park, a 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden and events venue that offers board games and life-size lawn games that include checkers, connect four, jenga and more.

She’s hitting the slopes.
Major ski resorts across the U.S. are creating ski programs to provide tailored experiences for women based on research and focus groups over the past ski season. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole is offering Elevate Women’s Ski Camp throughout the season. The all-women’s week-long ski camp invites guests to raise the bar by skiing and working with the best female instructors and pro skiers, then guests can relax in luxury by night. In Colorado, Vail is hosting women’s ski camps such as Her Turn, Girlz on Edge, Kim Reichhelm’s Women’s Ski Adventures, as well as new Women Workshops and Women and Wine FAC (Friday Afternoon Club) events. Beaver Creek is offering a Women’s Social Tour, which lends a casual environment for women to enjoy themselves on the slopes with other female ski enthusiasts. Breckenridge has introduced Her Mountain, a program dedicated to helping women get the most out of our mountain town in the best way we know how – by providing a welcoming, supportive, fun, and friendly place to improve skiing or snowboarding skills, meet new friends, and take the stress out of planning a family vacation. Keystone Resort will be hosting Betty Fest in February, a two-day ski improvement workshop taught by Keystone’s top female PSIA Certified instructors including on mountain coaching, video analysis and lunch. And specialized just for women, the new Park City Mountain in Park City, Utah offers a Women’s Ski & Snowboard Camp.

GLOW on the GO. Wellness on the run.
Consumers are craving easy access to products that will make them feel good from the inside and be protected from the outside. Easy to grab and go, from your gym bag or carry-on, lifestyle brands ranging from skincare to snacks are stepping up with healthy offerings. First up is Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Mineral Suncare Brush SPF 50, the most TSA-appropriate, travel-friendly sunscreen ever, its mineral composition makes it easy to protect your skin anytime, anywhere. Travelers and fitness enthusiasts alike will grab Vermont Smoke & Cure’s Meat Sticks for an easy, fast, high-protein snack. The six delicious flavor in Pork, Beef and Turkey are all vegetarian-fed and raised without antibiotics, sodium nitrate, preservatives or added hormones, and are gluten, nut and dairy free. Perfect for when on-the-go or in need of some energy, PALETA’s hand-crafted energy bars are all-natural, gluten-free and filled with nutrient-rich ingredients such as oats, nuts and fiber help control hunger and keep you feeling satisfied and energized.

Turn Up the Heat. San Diego Chefs are spicing up menus.
Move over Sriracha. San Diego’s top chefs are turning up the heat using exotic spices and peppers to add aromatic and flavor their dishes. At Kettner Exchange Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski adds liberal amounts of Thai basil and Gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) to spice up his famous Cooks Pig Pork Collar “Char Sui.” Chef Marcel Childress at Rustic Root adds complexity and heat to his Deviled Eggs with Thai chili (or Bird’s eye chili) from Southeast Asia and Espelette pepper from the Basque region in France in his Firecracker Shrimp. Chef Jordan Davis at Herringbone drizzles Korean chili vinaigrette over his grilled wild prawns with kimchi fried rice and Corporate Executive Chef John Medal at The Patio on Goldfinch uses togarashi in his Ponzu Ribeye Skewer alongside tempura green beans.