by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 12:50 AM ET, Wed February 20, 2019
Preferred Hotels has expanded its global portfolio again, to include such unique properties as a restored 16th-century palace in Portugal and an iconic, five-star hotel in India that's frequented by heads of state and celebrities.
The world's largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels represents more than 700 hotels, resorts, and residences throughout 85 countries.
"These exciting new properties deliver authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences that speak to the spirit of independent hotels and encapsulate #ThePreferredLife across exciting destinations including Jaipur, Lisbon, and the Yucatan Peninsula," the company said in a statement.
Highlights of the new additions include the following properties:
Hotel Hendricks, New York, New York
Opening this spring, Hotel Hendricks is expected to be one of the Big Apple's hottest hotel launches. Created by New York firm Nobutaka Ashihara Architect PC, the property's chic industrial aesthetic incorporates such materials as malachite, polished copper, bronze and exposed concrete in public spaces, which is softened by the use of greenery indoors and outside.
The 176 guestrooms and suites are configured for the millennial business or leisure traveler, offering plush furnishings with bold animal prints, mahogany, and pastel accents. Hotel Hendricks will also offer two rooftop bars overlooking the Empire State Building that provide extended panoramic views over the skyscrapers. There's also an onsite Latin fusion café, which will offer a modern tapas menu.
The One Palacio de Anunciada, Lisbon, Portugal
Housed in a carefully restored 16th-century palace with stately gardens, The One Palacio de Anunciada launches this month in the exclusive Barrio Alto neighborhood as one of Lisbon's most anticipated luxury openings of 2019.
Each of the 83 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites is bathed in natural light and feature marble bathrooms, pure Egyptian cotton linens, and original Portuguese ceramics.
Culinary arts will be a centerpiece of the on-property experience with the hotel inviting guests to enjoy al fresco drinks by the pool from its gourmet cocktail bar, light bites in the wine and tapas bar, and privileged access to the restaurant, which features a refined market-to-table menu served under a coffered ceiling with hand-painted frescoes.
After a day exploring the hilly city's cobbled streets, architecture, and art and music scenes, guests can return for a pampering treatment or unwind in the heated pool at Despacio Spa.
Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur, India
First launched in 1972 before taking on its current moniker in 1973, Hotel Clarks Amer is an iconic five-star property frequented by heads of state, celebrities, and numerous international cricketers over the decades.
Located in the heart of the bustling 'Pink City,' guests will appreciate the warm hospitality and serenity of the hotel, which is flanked by the city's only botanical gardens featuring more than 2,000 trees and 44 different bird species.
In addition to 215 spacious guestrooms and duplex penthouse suites decorated and upholstered to reflect the vibrancy of colorful Rajasthan, Hotel Clarks Amer offers Swedish and Thai massage specialists at Clarks Spa; Rajasthani and international dining outlets, including taBlu, Jaipur's oldest open-air rooftop café; and a tree-lined outdoor swimming pool.
Wellness enthusiasts will enjoy the hotel's jogging trails and nature walks, while culture seekers can visit nearby historic forts, palaces, temples, and museums.
frutt Lodge & Spa, Melchsee Frutt, Switzerland
Located in the secluded village of Melchsee Frutt, adjacent to Lake Melchsee and surrounded by the soaring Swiss Alps, frutt Lodge & Spa is an idyllic retreat for romantics, foodies, and outdoor lovers.
The traditional lodge features 67 cozy yet spacious guestrooms and suites, each with contemporary interiors and unimpeded views out to the lake or mountains, some with living areas and private balconies.
In the winter season, guests can enjoy direct access to the slopes, sled runs, and ice fishing, and over the summer months, they can join excursions to alpine farms and local cheese tasting tours or explore nearby hiking trails while equipped with BBQ backpacks thoughtfully provided by the hotel for refreshing breaks.
Other facilities include three restaurants serving Swiss, Mediterranean, and gourmet cuisine, as well as a 9,600 square-foot wellness space offering massage and cosmetic treatments, a Finnish sauna, steam bath, and private spa suite.
Haven Riviera Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
This glam adults-only hotel is situated on pristine beachfront between Cancun and Riviera Maya. Guests will enjoy a calm and spacious setting replete with fine-dining restaurants, three pools (two with swim-up bars and one infinity pool), and a 15,700 square-foot sanctuary spa - all available on an all-inclusive basis.
Each of the 333 guestrooms, including 88 swim-out suites with wide terraces, face the Caribbean Sea.
For travelers looking to explore their local surroundings, the resort is conveniently close to the energetic nightlife of Playa del Carmen, world-class diving or swimming with sea turtles on Isla Mujeres, and even snorkeling with whale sharks off Cozumel Island.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
