MICHELIN announced a second wave of top selections for the best hotels in the United States , and also revealed its choices for a prestigious group of luxury hotels in Canada and Mexico , all receiving the top honor of » three keys .»
According to Gwendal Poullennec , International Director of the MICHELIN Guide , «This selection shines with its incredible diversity and is a clear invitation to explore North America . From refuges in the wildest canyons of the United States, the Canadian forests or the Mexican coasts, to architectural wonders, from large urban hotels to small properties located in former factories, campsites or remote islands, each hotel is a jewel sculpted by talented professionals.»
Rating hotels is a new concept for MICHELIN, and the «key » system is used in a similar way to its star system for restaurants. One key indicates a » special » hotel, two keys represent an » exceptional » hotel, and the coveted three keys are awarded to » extraordinary » establishments. Below are the top-rated hotels along with comments from MICHELIN inspectors.
USA
This year, the list includes five hotels in the United States that join the exclusive club of three keys, with three outstanding properties in the western part of the country. These new hotels bring the total number of establishments that have received the highest classification of three keys from MICHELIN to 16.
Arizona: Canyon Ranch Tucson
«While the focus on health is strict, meaning no alcohol is served here and the cuisine is entirely healthy, the meals remain a source of pleasure. The same goes for the accommodations, a selection of rooms and suites in a modern, relaxing style, appointed with substantial but always understated luxuries. If it were a conventional hotel, Canyon Ranch would be a superb one, secluded on 150 acres of spectacular Sonoran Desert scenery , with every amenity perfectly anticipated and effortlessly delivered.»
Florida: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
«This 4-acre island is home to just 30 suites, and a couple of rules — no guests under 18 and no audible cellphones — help maintain an atmosphere of absolute tranquility.» The suites are spread across several thatched-roof bungalows, some more secluded than others but all private enough. The style is thoroughly classic, in the best British West Indies way , while the amenities are charmingly simple: indoor and outdoor showers, the occasional outdoor tub, and no TVs anywhere.
Hawaii: Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
«Its 150 bungalows were designed by San Francisco — based Nicole Hollis and are a masterful blend of familiar Hawaiian elements with modern tropical flair, without being kitschy. Even basic rooms span 600 square feet and open onto private terraces; meanwhile, vast flagship suites feature four bedrooms, a private pool and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The property also offers an impressive spa and wellness center, plus tennis and pickleball facilities, along with just about any water sports activity you can think of.»
Montana: Sage Lodge
«The lodge sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River in the aptly named Paradise Valley . The style is a blend of modern and rustic, and the amenities are as luxurious as the landscape is rugged. The opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless, with a luxury spa and two restaurants featuring menus centered around meats and produce sourced from local ranches and farms.»
Utah: Amangiri
«Some designers might try to soften the rough edges of the desert Southwest with ornate, luxurious interiors. These villas, by contrast, opt for the opposite, with concrete walls and rustic wood furnishings that take minimalism to the extreme. (And for a closer-to-nature experience, they added Camp Sarika , a set of ten tented pavilions, a five-minute drive from the main Amangiri , each equipped with its own private pool, and sharing a restaurant, pool, and spa.)»
Canada
Michelin has named its top luxury hotels in Canada , with two properties receiving the coveted triple-key recognition. Both hotels are located in remote and isolated areas, attracting adventurous travelers looking to explore unique climates.
Fogo Island Inn off the coast of Newfoundland
«Perhaps the only thing stopping Fogo Island Inn from becoming the world’s most famous designer luxury hotel is its remote location, on a tiny island off the coast of Newfoundland . With 29 luxurious rooms offering spectacular views, an impressive local fine-dining restaurant, and excursions ranging from whale watching to iceberg tours and beyond, it’s no small trip, but this one is certainly worth the effort.»
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Vancouver Island
» Clayoquot ‘s spacious canvas tents evoke times gone by. Reminiscent of Victorian summer holidays or British explorers in Africa, the 20 tents, for both guests and families, are furnished with handcrafted furniture and period antiques, and sit on wooden platforms connected by a series of cedar walkways. When the dinner bell rings, a gourmet menu awaits in the ranch-style kitchen, where seasonal fare is prepared over an open fire.»
Mexico
Three Mexican hotels joined the honor roll with three keys, each representing a stunning coastal destination with architecture that takes advantage of the dramatic Mexican landscape.
One&Only Mandarina on the west coast of Mexico
«About an hour down the coast from bustling Puerto Vallarta , the spectacular One&Only Mandarina combines the sensibility of an eco-lodge , the aesthetics of a boutique hotel, and the amenities of a luxury hotel, all in a tranquil setting amid 80 acres of coastal rainforest. The treehouses and villas are stunning both inside and out, and feature every conceivable luxury, from private pools to butler service. Three restaurants draw on top-notch culinary talent, and activities range from humble nature hikes to diverse nautical and whale-watching adventures, as well as the elegant pursuits offered by the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club .»
Xinalani Retreat near Puerto Vallarta
«A peaceful retreat geared toward yoga enthusiasts, the natural landscape surrounding the property is Xinalani ‘s main draw : even the 33 guest rooms, housed in a series of palm-thatched cottages, are open-air. Each has just three walls and a curtain that you’ll likely leave open most of the time, to enjoy the sea breeze or gaze at the thousands of stars twinkling in the night sky.»
Hotel Esencia on the Caribbean coast of Mexico
«An intimate beachside getaway. Hotel Esencia ‘s main structure , a converted home of a European duchess, houses a few guest rooms; other accommodation options range from Jungle Suites , surrounded by coastal gardens, to stand-alone beachfront bungalows. A unique offering is the organic spa, which uses principles of ancient medicine. Additionally, Hotel Esencia features not one restaurant but three: the Mexican-Mediterranean Mistura , the Japanese Taiyo , and an outlet of the renowned steakhouse chain Beefbar .»
