Newly Opened Hotels with Amazing Outdoor Spaces
As the hospitality and travel industries have undergone quite a lot of changes over the last year, newcomers to the scene have paid close attention to some of the most in-demand amenities and services that travelers are currently after — among them being stylish, comfortable and unique outdoor spaces where they can relax and social distance in safety. As such, many of the new hotels that have opened their doors since the beginning of 2020 boast amazing outdoor spaces. Here are a few of our favorites.
In Morocco, The Oberoi Marrakech has created a beautiful outdoor space that includes a poolside restaurant, elegant gardens, reflecting pools, carefully crafted seating areas and more. It’s all set among 25 acres of citrus orchards and olive groves, and it’s all backdropped by the mountains and inspired by palatial and traditional Moroccan architecture.
This new boutique property in India brings the gorgeous outdoor surroundings in, blending indoor and outdoor space through use of terraces, outdoor dining, outdoor yoga studios and more. The scenery alone is enough to make you appreciate all of this hotel’s outdoor space, but the complementing decor and furnishings definitely help, with their natural materials and soft, unobtrusive design.
3. Cirqa
In Peru, Cirqa is a hotel that blends the modern with the ancient, the indoors with the outdoors. While the boutique property is on the small side, it packs a big punch. The patios are outfitted with stone and wood furnishings, covered with alpaca fur; minimal greenery puts the focus on the ancient stone walls surrounding you at every turn, all except for the bright blue sky above. From the outdoor dining to the terraces, the plunge pool to the rooftop bar, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time outdoors at this hotel.
If you love the St. Regis hospitality brand, you’ll certainly love this new property in Venice, which boasts an ideal location on the canals. You could spend an entire vacation on the property’s terrace, watching the gondolas float by as you sit beneath a tree, sipping on an expertly-made cocktail. The seating is varied — ranging from sofas to individual seating — and both well-spaced and clustered, so there’s something to fit a variety of traveler and group needs.
5. Asbury Ocean Club and Residences
As a Jersey-raised boy, I can say when you think luxury, you might not think the Jersey Shore, but you'd be remiss to look over this new luxury property in Asbury Park. The pool deck looks over the Atlantic Ocean and features lots of space beneath tall trees, umbrellas and canopies, so you can catch some shade away from the surf, if you so wish. There’s also plenty of seating away from the pool itself, which is a nice touch for those who want to steer clear of the splashing and noise that sometimes comes with a beachside pool. And one other thing to remember: In Jersey, we don’t pump gas, we pump fists.
For a few years now, Hudson Yards has been a talking point for anyone traveling to New York City. If you want to stay as close as possible to this luxurious development, try Equinox Hotel, where the outdoor space is pretty talk-worthy all on its own. A reflecting pool, modern art, outdoor fireplaces, moody lighting, lots of sleek furniture — it all combines for a space that’ll make you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Lastly, we have to give a special nod to Six Senses’ upcoming property in Israel’s Shaharut Negev Desert, due to open up later in 2021, but still worthy of your consideration for future travel. Just like they do at all of their properties, Six Senses has created outdoor space at this hotel that’s sure to ‘wow,’ with natural elements, plunge pools, an array of seating and amazing panoramic views just about everywhere you look.