July Openings & Offers: Urban Redesigns to Coastal Classics

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The Modern Travel Agency

Fora

    An indoor-outdoor hotel lobby with nautical-inspired decor like canoes and palm trees

    Image courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

    Summer’s shaping up to be a standout season for hotel lovers. Whether you’re after the buzz of a city début, a luxe coastal escape, or a laid-back family-friendly Hawaiian hideaway, this roundup covers the hottest openings and offers you won’t want to miss.


    Faena New York opens this summer

    A drawing of two black lions facing a gold-lined circle with skyscapers in them, on a red background.

    Image courtesy of Faena New York

    Faena’s highly anticipated New York début lands this summer in West Chelsea, bringing the brand’s signature blend of style (and lots of red), culture, and spectacle to the city. Set within the striking One High Line building by architect Bjarke Ingels, the hotel has 120 art-filled rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. 

    Expect live-fire creations from Francis Mallmann, nightly music and cocktails at The Living Room, an emerald-hued wine cellar (La Cava), a sultry speakeasy (El Secreto), and art at every turn. Like its Miami counterpart, Faena NYC is part performance, part playground—a buzzing cultural hub where decadent dining and theatrical flair turn even a Tuesday into a gala.

    • Fora’s Accor Preferred by HERApartner perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.


    L’Ermitage Beverly Hills unveils major facelift

    An elegant hotel room with padded headboard and white bedding in dim light, and an open balcony door leading out to a view with palm treets.

    Image courtesy of L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

    L’Ermitage Beverly Hills just turned 50—and marked the milestone with a $15 million glow-up. Originally opened in 1975 as luxury apartments, this all-suite hideaway has long been a discreet favorite among Hollywood insiders. The revamp, led by Champalimaud Design (known for Raffles Singapore), injects fresh energy into its public spaces: a bright, modern lobby featuring citrus-hued accents and a marble check-in desk; Costa Covo Osteria, a coastal Italian eatery serving seasonal plates like truffle cavatelli and chestnut casoncelli; and Alcova, a moody lounge with a roaming Negroni cart. Upstairs, the redesigned rooftop steals the spotlight with Arhaus décor, skyline views, and Poza—a breezy new spot for California fare and sunset spritzes.

    • Fora perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.


    The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara gets a refresh

    A balcony with two chairs, cast iron railing, a small table and ocean views.

    Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

    Spread across 78 oceanfront acres, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is a whitewashed Spanish-style retreat that delivers California coastal luxury with all the trimmings. A favourite weekend escape for Angelenos, it offers space, sea air, and seclusion. A multi-phase renovation by Meyer Davis is bringing fresh energy to the resort, from the earthy-toned rooms and custom-tiled cabanas to a complete reimagining of its restaurants and bars. Think reclaimed oak, sea-green marble, custom ceramics, and menus inspired by local produce and global coastal flavors. Rooms and suites feature patios or balconies with views of the gardens or Pacific, while three saline pools, a 42,000-square-foot spa, and easy beach access make it hard to leave the grounds.

    Guests can hike the Chumash Nature Trail, play tennis, or explore nearby vineyards. Club Level upgrades unlock lounge access and all-day refreshments, while suites add fireplaces and wet bars.

    • Fora’s Marriott Luminous partner perks include a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.


    The Sanderling Resort gets a fresh look for its 40th

    A bright, airy hotel room with a ceiling fan, striped curtains, patterned floor and lush ocean viwes

    Image courtesy of The Sanderling Resort

    Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, this Outer Banks favorite just got a refresh for its 40th birthday—think soft ocean hues, natural textures, and bespoke art celebrating the region’s biodiversity. Highlights of the revamp include a waterfront Sunset Ballroom and Theodosia, a signature restaurant from James Beard Award winner Vivian Howard.

    A go-to for travelers craving seclusion with a side of activity, the resort offers two outdoor pools, private beach strolls, and seasonal happenings like mixology classes, ghost crab hunts, and stargazing. Off property, guests can kiteboard, go deep-sea fishing, or take a wild horse tour in Corolla Outback. Add in bike rentals, beach picnics, and nearby vineyards, and you’ve got the makings of a quintessential coastal escape.


    4th night free at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

    A hotel suite with colorful, plush seating, a fireplace and cream curtains.

    Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

    Four Seasons New York Downtown is the kind of place where the city actually feels calm. It pairs sleek, contemporary design with unfussy, intuitive service—ideal for travelers who want uptown polish without the uptown formality. Spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, custom bedding, and marble bathrooms stocked with Maison Margiela products. 

    CUT by Wolfgang Puck draws a local crowd for dinner and martinis, while the spa is one of the best in the city with an infrared sauna, rooftop sundeck, and 75-foot lap pool. Borrow a Biria bike to cruise over the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll to nearby landmarks like the 9/11 Memorial, or order a chef-packed picnic to enjoy in leafy Battery Park.


    Fine print: Book by August 22, 2025 for stays through August 26, 2025. Blackout dates apply.

    4th night free and complimentary kids’ meals at Mauna Lani

    An elegant hotel room with cream and neutral furnishing and decor, with ocean views.

    Image courtesy of Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

    Set on the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, this Auberge outpost is a stylish hideaway with rich Hawaiian culture, from outrigger canoes in the breezy lobby to ocean-inspired art and warm, genuine hospitality. It’s a hit with families thanks to its roomy suites and residences, calm swimmable beach, and incredible kids’ surf program at the on-site Surf Shack. 

    You’ll also find tide pool walks, canoe paddles, and stargazing sessions, plus unforgettable family moments like whale-watching aboard the resort’s private boat, Kalama Kai. For parents, it’s the little things that shine: beachside cocktails, breezy cabanas, and a vibe that’s equal parts chill and sophisticated.

    • Fora Reserve perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.


    Fine print: Valid for stays now through September 1, 2025. 

    Extra hotel credit and wellness perks for villa stays at The St. Regis Bali Resort

    A lagoon area at a hotel with tropical foliage and a building with a straw roof.

    Image courtesy of The St. Regis Bali Resort

    The St. Regis feels otherworldly. It’s spread across nearly 20 acres of tropical foliage and surrounded by misty rainforest in Nusa Dua. The resort is known for its spacious lagoon villas with private plunge pools, garden cabanas, and direct access to a sprawling 40,000-square-foot saltwater lagoon. 

    Inside, Balinese details are layered throughout—from shadow puppet motifs in the elevators to canang-inspired patterns on the carpets. The standout Iridium Spa is wrapped in koi ponds and centered on a butterfly motif, with eight serene treatment rooms, a Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam, and two couples’ suites built for hiding away. Kayuputi, the fine-dining restaurant, is known for its open kitchen and caviar-topped plates, while King Cole Bar hosts nightly fire dances with a Bali-inspired Bloody Mary.

    • Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.


    Fine print: Valid for stays of 4+ nights until December 23, 2025.