Quick Facts
- Total Investment: These three properties represent over $275 million in combined property renovations, ushering in a new era of ultra-luxury.
- Expansive Grounds: Travelers gain access to over 250 combined acres of private resort grounds, from the high-desert foothills of New Mexico to the gold-streaked coastline of Florida.
- Heritage Reborn: Each winner honors its historical roots—whether a 1920s Ritz-Carlton or a 19th-century bishop’s retreat—while offering contemporary, state-of-the-art amenities.
- Signature Wellness: From 50,000-square-foot ritual bathhouses to spiritual "Stream Dance" spas, these hotels redefine the concept of a sanctuary.
Introduction: The Year of the Great Hotel Rebirth
There is a particular kind of alchemy that occurs when history meets a limitless imagination. In the wake of a transformative period for global travel, the Condé Nast Traveler 2022 Hot List didn’t just highlight new openings; it celebrated a profound "rebirth." This was the year that the grand dames of hospitality finally shed their scaffolding to reveal something spectacular. Across three of the most prestigious winners—located in Santa Fe, Boston, and Boca Raton—we saw a combined $275 million investment aimed at one singular goal: creating a sanctuary.
As travelers, we have shifted our gaze. We no longer seek just a room; we seek an ecosystem. Whether it is the 200-acre coastal estate of Florida or the rolling foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these properties offer a staggering 250 acres of private grounds for exploration. This is luxury reimagined as space, service as an art form, and the hotel as a destination in its own right. Join me as we step inside the three properties that redefined the gold standard of American travel in 2022.
Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe: A Spiritual Retreat in the Sangre de Cristo Foothills
To arrive at Bishop’s Lodge is to feel the weight of the modern world dissolve into the thin, crystalline air of the high desert. Nestled on 317 acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest, this Auberge Resorts Collection property underwent a staggering $75 million renovation that breathed new life into a historic landmark. Originally the retreat for Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy in the 1860s, the lodge has been transformed into a soulful, rose-hued sanctuary that feels both ancient and impeccably modern.
What makes Bishop’s Lodge truly unique is its ability to anchor guests in the "Spirit of the West." The architecture honors its heritage with traditional adobe structures, but the interiors are a masterclass in artisanal luxury. Think kiva fireplaces that crackle with the scent of cedar, private terraces perfect for stargazing, and hand-woven Navajo rugs that add warmth to the minimalist desert aesthetic. The Stream Dance Spa takes this spiritual connection further, offering treatments inspired by indigenous healing traditions, set against the backdrop of the tranquil Tesuque creek.
The culinary heart of the resort is SkyFire, where the flavors of the Southwest are elevated through wood-fired techniques. Sitting on the terrace as the sun dips below the mountains, painting the sky in shades of violet and apricot, is a sensory experience that stays with you long after you’ve checked out.
Must-Do Experiences at Bishop’s Lodge:
- Sunrise Horseback Rides: Follow a professional guide through the Sangre de Cristo foothills as the morning light hits the red rocks.
- Artisan Workshops: Engage in chocolate tastings or incense-making classes that highlight local New Mexican botanicals.
- Spiritual Healing: Book a session at the Stream Dance Spa for a customized "vibrational therapy" session.
Emma’s Tip: Request one of the Kiva Suites. There is nothing quite as romantic as the flicker of a real wood-burning fire against the cool Santa Fe night.
The Newbury Boston: Heritage Reimagined in Back Bay
If Bishop’s Lodge is a desert poem, The Newbury Boston is a sophisticated urban symphony. Located at the intersection of Arlington and Newbury Streets, this property occupies the historic 1927 building that once housed the first Ritz-Carlton in America. After a meticulous restoration, it has emerged as the crown jewel of Back Bay, blending its Gilded Age bones with a contemporary, residential elegance.
The Newbury’s allure lies in its details. The 286 rooms, including 90 luxury suites, were designed by Jeffrey Beers International to feel like a refined private estate. Many of these suites feature wood-burning fireplaces—a rare and coveted luxury in the heart of Boston—and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a front-row seat to the changing seasons in the Public Garden. The color palette is a soothing mix of blues, creams, and golds, reflecting the historic elegance of the neighborhood.
However, the piece de résistance is undoubtedly Contessa. Perched on the rooftop in a glass-enclosed "conservatory in the sky," this Northern Italian restaurant by Major Food Group has become the most sought-after reservation in the city. Dining here feels like being suspended over the Public Garden, with the Boston skyline glittering in every direction. The service is choreographed with old-world precision, yet the atmosphere remains vibrantly modern.
Exploring the Back Bay Neighborhood:
- Pedestrian-Only Shopping: Wander down Newbury Street for world-class boutiques and charming outdoor cafes.
- Park Strolls: Walk across the street to the Public Garden for a ride on the iconic Swan Boats.
- Charles River Kayaking: A short walk brings you to the Esplanade, where you can rent a kayak for a different perspective of the city.
The Boca Raton: The Grand Return of a Florida Icon
Stepping onto the grounds of The Boca Raton is like entering a private Mediterranean principality. Sprawling across 200 waterfront acres, this Florida icon has undergone a $200 million reimagining that marks its most significant transformation since its opening in 1926. The resort is now divided into five distinct hotel experiences—Cloister, Tower, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Bungalows—ensuring that every type of traveler finds their perfect niche.
The scale of the renovation is most evident in the wellness and leisure offerings. The 50,000-square-foot Spa Palmera is a masterpiece of Moroccan-inspired architecture, specializing in "ritual bath" therapies that transport you to another world. Outside, the 4-acre Harborside Pool Club serves as the resort’s social heartbeat, featuring luxury cabanas, a lazy river, and a sophisticated bar scene that feels more like St. Tropez than South Florida.
For families, the resort offers an endless playground, but for the romantic traveler, the Yacht Club provides an adult-only haven with personalized concierge service and views of the Lake Boca waterfront. The ease of the experience is underscored by the resort’s private water taxis, which whisk guests from the main harbor to the private golden sands of the Beach Club.
Exclusive Perks at The Boca Raton:
- Electric Moke Rentals: Explore the manicured streets of Boca Raton in a stylish, open-air electric Moke.
- The Flamingo Grill: Enjoy a mid-century chop house experience designed by the legendary Mario Carbone.
- Hillsboro Lighthouse Tours: Arrange a private boat excursion to the historic lighthouse for 360-degree Atlantic views.
Comparison: Choosing Your Hot List Sanctuary
While all three properties share a commitment to excellence and have been recognized as 2022 Hot List winners, they offer vastly different emotional experiences. Use the table below to find which sanctuary aligns with your next journey.
| Feature | Bishop’s Lodge (Santa Fe) | The Newbury (Boston) | The Boca Raton (Florida) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Spiritual Retreats & Outdoor Adventure | Urban Culture & Romantic City Breaks | Grand Coastal Leisure & Multi-gen Travel |
| Renovation Cost | $75 Million | (Extensive Restoration) | $200 Million |
| Hero Amenity | Stream Dance Spa & Horseback Trails | Contessa Rooftop & Wood-burning Fires | 50,000 sq. ft. Spa Palmera & Pool Club |
| Aesthetic | High-Desert Adobe Luxury | Gilded Age Heritage & Modern Chic | Mediterranean Revival & Tropical Grandeur |
| Vibe | Soulful, Quiet, Artisanal | Sophisticated, Polished, Vibrant | Expansive, Social, Glamorous |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these hotels suitable for families? While all three hotels welcome families, their "vibes" differ. The Boca Raton is arguably the most family-friendly with its 4-acre pool club and lazy river. Bishop’s Lodge offers incredible outdoor family activities like hiking and riding. The Newbury Boston is better suited for families with older children or those seeking a sophisticated city experience, though its proximity to the Public Garden is a major plus for all ages.
When is the best time to visit these properties? For The Newbury Boston, autumn is magical as the Public Garden changes color. Bishop’s Lodge is spectacular in the late spring or fall when the desert temperatures are mild. The Boca Raton is a quintessential winter escape, offering a warm sanctuary during the colder months in the north.
Do I need a car when staying at these resorts? At The Newbury Boston, you definitely do not need a car; it is one of the most walkable parts of the city. At The Boca Raton, the resort provides water taxis and shuttles, though a car is helpful if you plan to explore beyond the 200-acre estate. At Bishop’s Lodge, a car or car service is recommended to reach the downtown Santa Fe Plaza, which is about a 10-minute drive away.
Call to Action (CTA)
The 2022 Hot List wasn't just about a change of scenery—it was about a change of state. Whether you find yourself drawn to the wood-fired warmth of a Boston suite, the spiritual quiet of the New Mexico desert, or the sun-drenched ritual baths of Florida, these properties represent the pinnacle of modern luxury.
Which sanctuary are you choosing for your next escape? Reach out to your preferred travel advisor to unlock exclusive amenities at these award-winning properties today.
