For me, September is a hard one to see go. With it, those last little moments of summer slip away, the temperature starts to change and it’s time to start pulling out your warm coats. My September was especially great, though. It started with cruising around the Mediterranean and checking out a few dreamy hotels in Italy, followed by a quick trip to Mexico to check out Hyatt’s new all-inclusive brand.
While I was busy galavanting around, a lot of hotel news broke out over the course of this month. Graduate Hotels officially joined Hilton Honors, as did about 100 Small Luxury Hotels. Wyndham rolled out its newest luxury brand in the U.S., and Kimpton started taking reservations for its first-ever all-inclusive resort.
Here’s some more hotel news you may have missed in September.
Banyan Tree celebrates 30 years
Now through the end of the year, Banyan Tree — a collection of wellness-focused resorts — is celebrating its 30th anniversary with activations, events and special experiences around the world. Some of the events include wellness activities and dining experiences at the original Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand; a sunset dinner and Urban Wellbeing Retreat at the new Banyan Tree Dubai; 60 curated activities at other Banyan Tree properties (like the new property in Kyoto); and a refresh of the brand’s signature dining experience, Saffron.
Paris Hilton’s Beverly Hills suite
From Oct. 4 to Nov. 1, Paris Hilton will take over The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles with the launch of two “Stay Like an Infinite Icon” suites. The over-the-top suites are “complete with a touch of glamour, fun, and, of course, lots of pink,” Paris Hilton said in a statement. The socialite and original influencer added that she “grew up celebrating special moments” with her family at The Beverly Hilton.
For a chance to stay, Hilton Honors members can bid for a two-night stay that includes a “special Paris surprise,” gift bags and round-trip airport transfer. Or, a few lucky people will be able to book the suite directly through the hotel’s website, with stays running from Oct. 4 to Nov. 1
A resort near Zion is shaking up Utah’s vacation scene
A new luxury resort set on more than 600 acres is set to open in St. George, Utah, near Zion National Park. It’ll have direct access to Snow Canyon State Park — a great location for outdoor enthusiasts who also seek elevated dining and spa experiences. Black Desert Resort will unveil its first phase following the PGA Tour FedEx Cup tournament in October 2024. Its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course will also be home to the LPGA Tour competition in May 2025.
The resort is in one of Utah’s certified Dark Sky Places making it a great location for stargazing. Amenities also include nine Wellness Suites with direct spa access, 13 spa treatment rooms, more than 700 guest rooms, 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, and seven diverse restaurant and beverage options.
The resort has created a special preview experience offer: Get a 50% discount with room rates starting at $199 per night, including a $50 resort credit valid through March 31, 2025. — Becky Blaine
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Alila opens first urban resort for the brand in China
Thinking of Hyatt’s Alila brand often conjures images of leisure destinations like the Maldives or Big Sur. The ultraluxurious imprint in the World of Hyatt network dipped its toe in the urban resort market when Alila Shanghai opened its doors this month in the Chinese city. At the hotel, quiet luxury and wellness meet Shanghai style.
Related: These are the best Hyatt Category 4 hotels, according to Globalists
The 186-room property includes 94 suites, all elegantly appointed with neutral colors and furnishings. While guests might be in the heart of one of Asia’s busiest cities, Alila Shanghai offers a cool, quiet vibe — thanks in part to a water feature and a 17-foot gathering tree in the middle of the fourth-floor lobby.
Even entry-level guest rooms have walk-in closets here. But the ultimate splurge is the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite, which features a spacious entertaining area, city views and a deep-soaking elliptical bath.
Thinking about checking into Alila Shanghai? Act fast and enjoy some great grand opening deals, where you can find suites for under $400 for a nightly rate. — Cameron Sperance
Andaz Culinary Series launches in October
Happening through December, the Andaz Culinary Series will see a handful of chefs from Andaz properties in the U.S., Costa Rica and Mexico set up camp at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows for weeklong events featuring special dining experiences, limited edition menus and other food-forward events for guests and locals.
Here’s a rundown of the events.
Oct. 17-20: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Costa Rica’s chef Bruno and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- Limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
- Crudo station and more
Nov. 7-9: Andaz Maui @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Luau-inspired menu with live entertainment
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Maui’s chef Ritchard and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- “Poke All Around” class — a unique and immersive class where culinary tradition meets Hawaiian history and showcases the ancient Hawaiian roots of poke (originally crafted by native Hawaiians using freshly caught fish and local ingredients that were available from the land and sea, including sea salt, ogo [seaweed] and inamona [roasted kukui nuts])
Dec. 12-14: Andaz Mayakoba @ Andaz Scottsdale
- Six-course private chef’s table experience hosted by Mayakoba’s chef Miguel and Scottsdale’s chef Sammy
- Limited-edition menu at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen
- Ceviche-making classes and more
Reservations and more information are available on the Andaz Scottsdale website.
