Three Top Hotels to Book Next, From Mexico to California

Every year, Condé Nast Traveler

releases its annual Hot List,

which celebrates the best hotel openings

and more from around the world.

Here, Phoenix, Arizona gets a hotel to match its reputation

as one of America's most innovative cities.

A Sonoma County Lodge

is designed to attract a more sophisticated crowd.

And a Riviera Maya icon draws on local inspiration

in Mexico,

all three of which are winners on this year's Hot List.

Phoenix and its neighbors may have their share

of big resorts, but none of them nail the day to night

quite like Global Ambassador,

whose white brick exteriors is a welcome departure

from the southwestern kitsch that's so expected in the area.

The sprawling grounds too make it feel like a manor estate,

all with those views of unmistakable Camelback Mountain.

The hotel has so much to offer,

pools, high design, and wellness,

but we would say it's the food and beverage

that really sets it apart,

which is no surprise considering that the co-owner,

Sam Fox, has opened around 150 restaurants

all over the country.

Even the sexy lobby bar has some cool hospitality tricks.

The market does exceptional pastries

and possibly the best coffee in town.

While lobby level Le Âme does breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A few standouts here include an elevated

French onion dip and chips and an on point salad Nicoise.

The pool, itself a destination for its design

and chic orange umbrellas, serves ceviche and tacos

at the Mexican-Peruvian Pink Dolphin.

But the showstopper is up high,

at the rooftop restaurant, Théa.

It has indoor and outdoor bars,

offering phenomenal 360 degree views of the city.

Make sure to order the baked feta and phyllo.

The rooms, there are 140 one of them,

are filled with actual good art,

and a favorite touch is the wallpaper on the bathrooms.

Think of Dawn Ranch as a true escape,

all designed to let guests feel completely relaxed.

22 acre grounds are filled

with giant redwoods and apple orchards.

The place itself, comprised of 81 cabins, cottages,

and tents, and a history that goes back over 100 years,

has a welcome low-key summer camp vibe.

The front desk provides you

with picnic blankets and binoculars

and cabins don't have phones or TVs.

Despite its century old roots,

all accommodations feel remarkably modern.

And the designers of the new Dawn Ranch

have done a terrific job in making the place

feel comfortable, contemporary and cozy.

Cabins are quaint,

with terraces to stare out at the redwoods

and comfy queen beds.

Cottages are larger, with lovely touches,

including sage green tiling in the living spaces

and planked wood floors.

Regardless of where you sleep,

all are exactly the type of place you wanna return to

after a day of forest bathing and kayaking on the river.

And if it's all feeling a little too much

like the summer camp of your childhood,

go spend some time in a lodge.

This isn't your average camp mess hall.

It's loaded with honey hewed wood, sofas, and a fireplace,

and leans into the bounty of California's ingredients,

to create decidedly grownup dishes like halibut crudo.

There is plenty of sophistication across the Yucatan,

where Belmont has reopened the beloved Maroma,

after a top to toe redo,

that focused on bringing much of the destination in.

Mayan geometry inform the curvature of the stucco buildings

and local makers and artisans

created much of the furnishings and details.

Even the brand new spa is centered around Mayan practices.

Partnering with legacy French cosmetic brand, Guerlain.

the earthen toned spa offers practices

like traditional sound and healing rituals,

and of course, a temazcal.

Suites here are huge, some with more than one terrace

and views out to the sea.

Tempting as it may be,

you won't be spending too much time in these rooms

because the property itself has so much to offer.

There are several dining outlets

and one of the most fun may be Bambuco,

a poolside bar that manages to be both casual

and extremely sexy, serving exceptional mezcal.

Woodend by Curtis Stone is a showcase of seafood

and meat prepared over an open fire.

For something more casual,

Freddy's Bar is beachside and open all day long.

But Casa Mayor is where you'll want to go

for upscale local dishes from Mexican Chef Daniel Camacho.

A top hotel draws in the best of food, design and comfort

to become a destination all their own.

Any hotel that you choose will guarantee a great vacation.

And for more information on all these hotels,

including what to pack, head to cntraveler.com.

These Hotlist tours are brought to you by Capital One.

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