Three standout properties offer fresh experiences with local flair and elevated comfort
If 2025 has a hospitality theme, it’s thoughtful transformation—with new and reimagined properties that honor local culture while delivering next-level luxury.
First up, La Bahia Hotel & Spa is poised to become Santa Cruz’s first true luxury resort when it opens in late summer. Set right on Main Beach and anchored by its beautifully restored bell tower, the hotel channels Mediterranean elegance with a breezy coastal twist. Designed by ForrestPerkins, the 155-room property (including 21 suites) blends Spanish-style charm with modern calm. Guests can indulge at the spa or dine across four seasonal restaurants showcasing the Central Coast’s rich bounty.
Across the Caribbean, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton opens June 30 as the first Curio-branded all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic. Nestled on Playa Esmeralda, this 500-room sanctuary celebrates Taino culture and nature through immersive programming, eco-luxe design and 11 globally inspired dining spots. Wellness seekers and event planners alike will find plenty to love.
And in downtown Austin, W Austin has undergone a bold redesign that reflects the city’s music scene and natural beauty. Highlights include refreshed rooms, a trumpet-inspired gold bar, and the new Serenade American Brasserie. Whether sipping espresso at 2nd & Roast or cocktails at the moody Blue Room, guests are immersed in Austin’s rhythm.
A Seaside Classic Reimagined in Santa Cruz
Set to debut in late summer 2025, La Bahia Hotel & Spa brings refined coastal charm to Santa Cruz’s Main Beach with the city’s first and only luxury resort. Designed by ForrestPerkins, the property blends the spirit of Mediterranean estates with a breezy, modern touch. Think soft ocean tones, Spanish patterns and warm textures that welcome like a dear friend’s seaside retreat. The iconic bell tower, a Santa Cruz landmark for nearly a century, has been lovingly restored and now anchors the hotel’s timeless aesthetic.
Guests will find 155 airy guestrooms, including 21 suites, each offering sweeping ocean views. Beyond the rooms, four distinct dining concepts celebrate the bounty of the surrounding farmland, while The Spa at La Bahia offers a luxurious escape featuring eight treatment rooms, a rooftop zen deck and wellness amenities with views of Monterey Bay. With its unbeatable beachfront location, guests can easily explore the vibrant marine life, scenic trails and easygoing surf culture that define the area.
La Bahia Hotel & Spa invites travelers to rediscover Santa Cruz through a lens of luxury, relaxation and coastal soul.
A Hidden Gem on the Shores of Playa Esmeralda
Reservations are now open for Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, the first Curio-branded all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic. Opening June 30, 2025, this 500-room beachfront escape is tucked away on the unspoiled sands of Playa Esmeralda, where soft waves, mountain vistas and rich jungle landscapes set the stage for a reimagined luxury experience.
Infused with nods to Taino culture and eco-conscious design, the resort offers daily cultural programming, 11 global dining venues and a relaxed, elegant setting inspired by the region’s natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool, swim-up bars and a sprawling aquatic playground with a water park. A full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, a sauna and salon joins a fitness center, yoga classes and wellness-forward accommodations featuring private plunge pools.
Ideal for both leisure and events, the resort also features over 1,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space and personalized catering. A Kids and Teens Club, curated excursions and immersive Dominican art and cuisine add to the vibrant, all-inclusive offering.
Zemi Miches invites travelers to unplug, unwind and connect with the authentic rhythms of the island—all just 90 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
W Austin Reimagined: A Bold New Chapter in the Heart of the Live Music Capital
W Hotels has unveiled a stunning, multi-million-dollar transformation of W Austin, elevating the iconic downtown property into a dynamic expression of Austin’s musical soul and natural beauty. Nestled next to ACL Live in the vibrant 2nd Street District, the newly reimagined W Austin blends high design, world-class amenities, and deep cultural connections in one unforgettable stay.
The reimagined Living Room sets the tone with a trumpet-inspired gold bar and rotating live music performances curated to reflect the city’s rhythm. Guests can explore new culinary concepts like Serenade American Brasserie, blending Texan flavors with French brasserie techniques, or unwind at Blue Room, an exclusive, reservation-only cocktail bar exuding moody glamour and intimate luxury.
The hotel’s 251 redesigned guest rooms, including 32 suites, immerse visitors in Austin’s dual identity: rich green palettes, hardwood floors, and concert photography from ACL Live harmonize with views of Lady Bird Lake. Elevated amenities—like Marshall Bluetooth speakers, Frette robes, and Davines bath products—round out the luxe experience.
W Austin is more than a hotel—it’s a curated journey through the city’s creative and natural worlds. From coffee at the new 2nd & Roast café to music under the stars, it invites travelers and locals alike to connect with Austin in bold, vibrant ways.
