Travel
From the clifftops of Costa Rica to the historic streets of Vienna, these are our panelists’ favorite new hotels and resorts—plus a few memorable experiences we had along the way.
Royal Mansour, Tamuda Bay
Morocco
“At this new beach resort from the people behind Marrakech’s Royal Mansour hotel, even the entry-level rooms have ocean views, separate living areas, and private balconies. The food is incredible, the 40,000-square-foot spa is a dream, and the setting on the Mediterranean is pure heaven.” —Samantha Brooks
Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo
Mexico
“This all-new hotel within the Cabo del Sol beach and golf resort is everything you’d expect from a Four Seasons, including elegant decor that feels handpicked from the region.” —S.B.
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Here’s to the journeys that broaden horizons and the destinations that linger long after the last sip. Bright, refreshing and endlessly versatile, the Whisky Collins is the ideal companion for adventures far and wide.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Costa Rica
The year’s best new beach resort debuted in February at the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo development on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Part of Ritz-Carlton’s Reserve collection, Nekajui features 107 rooms and suites perched high atop a cliff, with a few “treetop” rooms tucked just below. Restaurants and a spectacular spa complex also line the cliff’s edge, where views stretch from two islands just offshore to Santa Rosa National Park in the distance. A funicular connects the resort’s upper reaches to its beach club and tapas restaurant, set just above a tranquil tropical cove. Across the street from Nekajui is the clubhouse for Arnold Palmer’s masterful Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo.
Mandarina
Mexico
“The recent opening of the nine-hole golf course in between Mandarina’s One&Only hotel and brand-new Rosewood hotel allows this stunning resort community in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit region to compete for golf travelers who were previously married to destinations like Punta Mita, Mayakoba, and Los Cabos.” —S.B.
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages
Long Island, New York
“Canoe Place has been thoughtfully restored, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Just 90 minutes from New York City, it’s situated as a gateway to world-class beaches, wineries, and the best of the Hamptons. Guests can choose from stylish rooms and suites, garden cottages, and waterfront residences.” —Alexandra O’Laughlin
Mandarin Oriental, Vienna
Austria
Just opened in November, the Mandarin Oriental occupies a restored Art Nouveau building within Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse. The location is ideal for exploring the city’s many sights, perhaps on one of the hotel’s nighttime tours in a Fiaker carriage. The Mandarin Oriental also offers insider access to musical performances at the nearby St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Top Trips
Aman New York
New York City
“Having visited Aman resorts in far-flung locations, experiencing the reinterpretation of tranquil luxury in my own city was a welcome surprise. The hotel extends a quiet elegance within a peaceful oasis. The garden terrace and the three-floor spa are a vacation unto themselves.” —Gabriel Kreuther
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Oahu, Hawaii
“Recently I have been planning a refresh of the Palmer Course at Turtle Bay, on the North Shore. The Turtle Bay resort sits on the most amazing rocky outcropping, a spectacular location, and its recent renovation is truly spectacular. The rooms are modern, spacious, and shockingly quiet given the breakers are a mere few feet away. The giant sliding glass doors are great!” —David McLay Kidd
Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
“I had the honor of hosting a weekend in June at this resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Getting there is not easy, but once you have arrived, everything fades away and you are immersed in total luxury—Southern style. The resort combines extraordinary food and wine in a stylish yet comfortable setting. You can experience everything from wellness-inspired adventures to fly fishing. The grounds encompass 4,200 acres of private wilderness tamed for city folk like me!” —G.K.
Regent Seven Seas Grandeur
Alaska Cruise
“As a family, the Alaskan cruise was great, and the ship was amazing! We loved all the restaurants, bars, and activities. Our favorite was the Prime Seven Steakhouse.” —Annika Sörenstam
The Panelists
PGA Tour caddie Geno Bonnalie
Travel and lifestyle editor and luxury hotel expert Samantha Brooks
Golf writer and globetrotter David DeSmith
Chef with two Michelin stars, at last counting Gabriel Kreuther
In-demand golf course architect and amateur pilot David McLay Kidd
Dewar’s award-winning master distiller
Stephanie Mcleod
Golf journalist, broadcaster, Kingdom contributing editor
Alexandra O’Laughlin
Ten-time major champ, Hall of Famer, all-star mom Annika Sörenstam
Content creator, bomber off the tee, social media icon
Roger Steele
