Exciting New Hotel Openings
If you are still hesitant to hop on a commercial flight, I don’t blame you. It’s difficult to socially distance, even in first class or business class. I’m an optimist. Hopefully, we are on the road to virtually eliminate all danger of becoming infected with COVID-19.
I doubt that many of us have access to general aviation aircraft that could easily make the trip to some of the hotels I’m about to describe. But we can sit in front of our computers and plan for the future. I’m not an epidemiologist, but I’m sure that, although some viruses can travel through cyberspace and send your computer to the ICU, COVID-19 is not one of them. Computer viruses are different critters. Here are a few places you might think about.
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, #55, Street 178, Sangkat Chey Chumnas, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 12206, www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/cambodia/ hyatt-regency-phnom-penh
Hyatt Regency Phom Penh Guestroom.
(Courtesy Hyatt Regency)
Scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2021, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh will mark the first Hyatt hotel in the Cambodian capital and the debut of the Hyatt Regency brand in one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations. With 247 guestrooms including 43 suites, the new contemporary-meets-colonial property is ideally situated in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh and within walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum and the Mekong River. Conceived by award-winning Singapore- based SCDA architects, the interiors of the hotel will reflect Cambodia’s diverse heritage while seamlessly blending Khmer architectural accents, French colonial influences, and specially commissioned artworks by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi.
The guest rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh cater to both business and leisure travelers and feature energizing views, modern décor with tasteful, innovative touches. Suites offer spacious living areas, convenient amenities and marble bathtubs. Staying connected is seamless with high-speed Wi-Fi and 65-inch TVs.
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh will feature five dining venues including The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar. A stylish indoor/outdoor open-plan din- ing concept called FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has panoramic views of the Mekong River, the Royal Palace and the city skyline. In addition, the hotel has a spread of 16,000 square feet of meeting space as well as a slew of recreational facilities including a 24-hour fit- ness center, tropical infinity pool, spa and the Regency Club Lounge.
Hotel Haya, 1412 E, 7th Avenue, Ybor City, FL. 33605, 813-568-1200,
www.hotelhaya.com
Brick streets, spacious courtyards, ornate globe streetlamps, legendary cigar factories, free roaming roosters, historical architecture and rich multicultural roots describe Ybor City, the landmarked district just northeast of downtown Tampa. This charming neighborhood in one of America’s most unique cities is the site of a new hotel with a vibrant character to match: Hotel Haya.
Also known as the “Cigar Capital of the World,” the city owes its name to Vicente Martínez Ybor – one of the major cigar titans to bring production from Cuba to U.S. shores in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. With it came an influx of European, Spanish, and Cuban immigrants who are credited with giving Ybor City its eclectic ambiance, tradition, and cuisine.
Hotel Haya has embodied the exuberant Cuban, Italian, and Spanish influences within its walls. On a downtown street teeming with history, the project fuses two historic buildings with integrated new construction. The ornate Las Novedades building, Tampa’s oldest restaurant built in 1890 and the Warren Building, where Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders are rumored to have haunt- ed now comprise this exciting new hotel. The hotel has 178 guest rooms ¬– most of which feature balconies that overlook 7th Avenue. A street known for its shops, bars and parades, guests can people-watch from the comfort of their rooms. The swanky accommodations feature Chihuly-style glass blown globes from artisans from Morean Art Center to mimic the streetlamps of Ybor City.
The hotel will also embody a collaborative and world-class art initiative with USF Graphic studio and Contemporary Art Museum. The first artist featured in the hotel’s pre-function gallery is the famed Ybor City-based artist Theo Wujcik (1936-2014).
Hotel Haya’s secluded courtyard pool is an oasis among the hustle of downtown featuring lush greenery and Italian white tile. The hotel also houses vibrant meetings and events spaces including a 4,000-square-foot ballroom.
Executive Chef Douglas Rodriguez, recipient of numerous accolades including the coveted James Beard Foundation’s Rising Star Chef of the Year Award and globally acclaimed as the “Godfather of Nuevo Latino Cuisine,” will oversee the hotel’s three food and beverage venues: Flor Fina, an upscale Latin inspired restaurant featuring wood grilled coastal cuisine, Café Quiquiriqui, the on-site charming Cuban cafe that will serve as a neighborhood gathering spot, and finally, the outdoor pool bar.
You can fly into Tampa International Airport (KTPA). At 26 feet above sea level, the field has three runways. Runway 1L/19R is 1102 feet long. Runway 1R/11L is 8300 feet long and Runway 10/28 is 6999 feet long. Skyport Aviation, 813/626-1515, is my FBO of choice.
La Brillante, 6 Rue Bahia, Riad Zitoune Jdid, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco, +212 696 035951, www.labrillante.com
Cozy Quarters. (Courtesy La Brilliante)
Located just a few steps from the iconic Palais Bahia and the vibrant souks, La Brillante is the first contemporary boutique hotel that offers all the modern 5-star comforts in the middle of the Marrakech Medina.
The sophisticated interiors have been carefully tailored with a superb blend between modern high-end furniture and Moroccan handcrafted pieces designed to provide guests a magic stay in a luxurious ambiance. The elegant swimming pool, located in the middle of the courtyard, invites guests to dive in and cool off from the ever-shining Marrakech sun. Right next to the pool is a cozy jacuzzi, perfect for a little romantic interlude or a small cocktail party with friends.
Restaurants and Bars
This sparkling boutique hotel offers two impressive restaurants where the menus aim to present culinary journeys, both in local and international cuisines. There are plenty of delicious and healthy options to choose from, all prepared with fresh ingredients.
Day Spa & Hammam
Secluded Relaxation.
(Courtesy La Brilliante)
The beautifully designed day spa at La Brillante is situated on the roof terrace. This is a delightful setting in which to enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam, professional massage and many other relaxing treatments.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, 619/ 677-1161, www.missionbay resort.com.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, the city’s newest luxury resort and spa, officially reopened after completing a $32 million total re-imagination and renovation of the expansive 18-acre property. Located in the heart of San Diego on the scenic waterfront of Mission Bay Park, thelavish 357-room, year-round lifestyle destination resort is the ideal place for guests seeking to explore the reg culture and nearby attractions.
All-new, sophisticated, beach-chic rooms and suites will make guests feel at home and inspired as they walk into airy quarters with abundant sunlight and gentle breezes. The spacious guestrooms in the tower feature private patios or balconies with breath-taking views of the gardens or bay. Many rooms feature luxurious amenities, such as a private patio with a personal fire pit, up to 1,463- square-feet of living space and pull-out sofas for additional family members.
The resort’s proximity to airports, restaurants and downtown destinations makes it the ideal location for today’s leisurely escapes for couples, families and small groups. Although the resort is surrounded by the city, one feels miles away. The upscale Mediterranean-style resort offers a 4,000-square-foot outdoor pool area, spa and fitness center along with five tennis courts, gift shop, restaurant and poolside grill. For large events, corporate retreats, family reunions or a pilot’s club meeting, the hotel provides over 16,000-square-feet of interior meeting and function space and 9,600-square- feet of outdoor meeting space.
For couples looking for a romantic waterside wedding venue, San Diego Mission Bay Resort delivers the effortless elegance of a quintessential California resort and retreat. Sand beaches, lush greens, stunning views of glorious ocean sunsets and arching tropical palms combine to create a panoply of gorgeous and unique backdrops for an extraordinary day of dreams.
Whether guests are seeking an action- packed vacation or just a lazy bask in the sun, Mission Bay Resort offers a host of water sports and land activities. Nestled between two of Mission Bay’s most attractive parks, the resort offers on-site access to walking, roller blading and biking through the parks, on the boardwalk and on Fiesta Island. From jet skis, stand up paddle boards, waterskiing, fishing and sailing, aqua cycles and pontoons to relax- ing in a poolside cabana with plush lounge chairs, Wi-Fi and TV, sitting bayside with full beachside service and playing family lawn and board games, Mission Bay is a true landmark, ocean-access destination in the heart of San Diego.
Guests will be delighted by an all-new array of exceptional dining experiences that highlight the resort’s coastal Southern California location. Folks looking to jump- start the day can grab a cup of coffee and fuel up with a collection of fruits and pre- made sandwiches at Mission Joe. Right in the heart of the resort resides Plaza del Sol
– the perfect place to relax and savor delicious small, shareable plates while seated, cozily spaced, around a welcoming community fireplace. At Solrisa, the Mexican food truck-inspired poolside stand, guests can enjoy Baja-Latin inspired dishes including lobster nachos and ceviche, as well as traditional fries and salads.
Highlighting the resort’s commitment to local fare, the new Covewood restaurant will delight diners with woodfired pizzas, chargrilled, braised and cured local beef, poultry and seafood from the Southern California waters.
KSAN, San Diego International Airport is very close to the resort. The approach to R27 over the hills and build- ings is one of my favorites. Years ago, as I descended, I could almost see the faces of the folks at the old El Cortez hotel which is right next to the glidepath. The El Cortez, built in 1926, was, for many years, the tallest building in San Diego. Right after Pearl Harbor, anti-aircraft guns were installed on the roof and remained for the duration of WWII. The hotel closed in 1976 and is now on the National Register of Historic Place.
Signature Aviation is the only FBO on the field. I suggest that you plan your fuel carefully as prices fluctuate and might be more affordable at other nearby airports.
