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July was a whirlwind — and, well, the news was nonstop. Between politics, that wild global computer fiasco (you know, the one that hits the airlines hard) and the Olympics kicking off, you may have missed some big news on the hotel front.

Earlier this month, we reported that Park Hyatt Marrakech had finally opened its doors to guests, and later, we learned that the brand’s parent company, Hyatt, is in talks to partner with Standard Hotels, an ultracool hotel brand with locations in New York. is to Bangkok. In the world of Hyatt (pun intended), the highly anticipated Park Hyatt London River Thames is now accepting reservations for fall.

We also learned that World of Hyatt members can now redeem points, while Hilton Honors members can book nearly 400 small luxury hotels; Rosewood opened in a stunning Austrian castle; And Wyndham’s new extended-stay brand opened its first location in the US

Personally, I thought the biggest news was that the Mirage in Las Vegas has officially closed and will begin the process of transforming into Hard Rock Las Vegas, replacing the famous volcano with a glass building shaped like a guitar. If you have feelings like mine, you’ll appreciate my love letter to The Mirage, the hotel that changed the world — and my life.

Here’s what else you need to know:

Drift Hotels’ Baja-cool properties are now part of Marriott Bonvoy

Known for minimalistic, boho designs and overall laid-back cool, Drift HotelsThe four chic properties are now part of Marriott’s Design Hotels portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy. Found in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico and Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Nashville in the US, these hotels are where you know you’ll find good food, good cocktails and a really good Instagram photo. And now, you can book a stay at one of these properties using Marriott Bonvoy points, whether you’re looking for a taco-centric trip to the Baja Peninsula or one of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods that feels more West Coast than country.

Luxury fashion brands take over Four Seasons

Every summer, major fashion brands open pop-up stores and take over beach clubs and pools around the world. This year is no different — and the Four Seasons is in the middle of the action, if not taking it to the next level by playing host to Jacquemus’ first-ever North American outpost. Can be found at the French brand’s pop-up store The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas, with a Jacquemus-themed pool takeover, with Simon Porte using everything from Jacquemus pool loungers to pool toys. But you don’t have to travel to the Bahamas to get in on the action—there are limited-edition Jacquemus beach towels. Available for purchase on the Four Seasons website.

Other Four Seasons summer collaborations include Christian Dior at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, my favorite resort in the world, and Dolce & Gabbana at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because the iconic resort in Sicily was the filming location for season two of every hotel lover’s favorite TV show, “The White Lotus.”

The St. Regis Venice gets a luxurious new spa

One of the most luxurious hotels in Venice, Italy, just got better with the opening of the new Valmont Spa, the first spa from a renowned Swiss skincare company specializing in cellular cosmetics. At the spa, treatments include Valmont’s signature Hydration of the Bisses and Energy of the Glaciers experiences, as well as hyper-personalized treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs and skin types.

The addition of the Valmont Spa and its age-defining treatments are especially fitting for the St. Regis Venice, as the property is set in a historic hotel building that originally opened in 1895. In 2019, the St. Regis took over the high-rise building where Monet painted “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk” in 1908 and has hosted many celebrities, dignitaries and everyone in between.

Related: Best St. Regis Hotels for the most luxurious hotel stay

Homewood Suites by Hilton offers new healthy options

We know people love a free hotel breakfast—so much so that a few years ago, I checked out 10 hotels to see which were the best. Embassy Suites reign supreme, by the way. Now Embassy Suites’ partner Hilton brand, Homewood Suites, is expanding its breakfast offerings with new overnight oats and chia pudding at locations in the US and Canada. These new healthy options join other recent additions like chorizo ​​and chicken tinga to the taco bar.

Raffles is going to Tokyo

Tokyo is no stranger to luxury hotels. The city is home to two Four Seasons, two Editions, Aman and its trendy new sister brand Janu — and arguably the world’s most famous Park Hyatt, which is currently closed for renovations. In 2028, Japan’s capital city will also be home to a Raphaels property, part of the redevelopment of Tokyo’s World Trade Center in the Hamamatsucho district. Once open, the Accor-affiliated Raffles Tokyo will have 130 guest rooms (including 27 suites), six restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a spa and meeting spaces on the top 46 floors of the building, which replaces the original skyscraper. Back in the 1970s.

Related: Raffles and Fairmont CEOs on hotels growing in America and beyond

If you can’t wait for a world-class Raffles investment, then Raffles Jaipur was opened in India in July. That hotel is made of hand-carved white marble in a reimagined palace featuring 50 guest rooms and suites, a handful of restaurants and bars, and a rooftop swimming pool fit for royalty.

Banyan Tree’s first stand-alone Via property is now open in Mexico

Banyan Tree Via Valle de Guadalupe is now open in Mexico’s wine country, just 90 miles from the US border on the Baja Peninsula. The 16-acre Veia property features 30 villas with private plunge pools, a signature banyan tree spa that offers a traditional Mexican Temazcal experience and desert springs, plus a soon-to-open fine-dining Asian restaurant to join the already open Mexican. Restaurant

Veya is the wellness-focused Banyan Tree sister brand that offers a personalized wellness plan centered around a three-step protocol of awareness, discovery and sustenance.

Aman New York wants to take you through the harbor

Summer may be slipping away, but the guests of UltraLux Aman New York (and Aman Club members) still have time for a boat ride. Now through October, and again next year, Aman New York has partnered with Barton & Gray Mariners Club to offer. A special ship around the waters of New YorkBehind the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn Bridge, Aman’s chef-prepared meals and other customization options make it the most dreamy excursion possible.

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