It’s hard not to think about getting away now that the holidays are behind us and temperatures have dipped into the single digits. While we love a new fashion collection few things are more thrilling than visiting a brand new luxury hotel.

The fresh linens, plush towels, eager staff and bragging rights are just a few aspects that make visiting a new hotel extra special. Good thing that the luxury boom has lead to a great crop of properties that just opened or are slated to open in 2016.

In a multi-part series we are highlighting some of the most exciting new destinations in the world. (Click here to see Part 1.) For more information about these properties or any other travel related assistance email info@steeletravel.com

Canyon Ranch (Kaplankaya, Turkey)

Turkey has been in the news a lot this year. Unfortunately, not for reasons that make you want to jump on a plane and leisurely explore. The timing of the first international Canyon Ranch near Bodrum, in Turkey, may not be ideal but the plans we’ve seen for this new wellness destination are quite remarkable.

Slated to open in July 2016, this Canyon Ranch is located on the Aegean Coast and will feature a total of 141 rooms –75 hotel rooms and suites and 66 enclave rooms and suites. The 107,500 square foot spa, fitness and wellness center will feature 40 treatment rooms. Guests will be able to enjoy treatments that combine traditional and Eastern medicine practices for the complete integrative wellness experience Canyon Ranch is known for.

We just hope that world affairs neutralize soon. Wouldn’t it be nice to plan an exotic girl’s weekends at Kaplankaya?

Il Sereno, Lago di Como (Lake Como, Italy)

Le Sereno is one of our favorite destinations on St. Barths and we can’t wait for the new property to open this Summer on Lake Como, in Italy.

The property will be the iconic lake’s only private beach and dock. Guests will be allowed arrive extravagantly by the hotel’s custom-built water limousine.

Il Sereno-Como will feature 30 oversized suites– all with waterfront views. One of the resort’s show-stopping features will be the 60-foot-long freshwater infinity pool suspended over the water. It’s  the only infinity pool on the lake. The modern design is especially refreshing for this region that is largely dominated by Renaissance palazzos and ornate villas.

The property will also feature a luxurious spa and the restaurants will be operated by the celebrity London restaurateur, Giuliano Lotto. South of France move over, we’re heading to Como this Summer.

Park Hyatt, St. Kitts (St. Kitts, BWI)

Most of us just got back from holiday vacations but it’s hard not to start dreaming about your next trip. Trailblazers looking for the newest and greatest should set their eyes on St. Kitts. The opening of the Park Hyatt, in November 2016, will be an island game-changer.

St. Barths and the Dominican Republic have had their day in the sunshine. Now it’s time for Park Hyatt to take center stage. The property will feature 125 guest rooms and suites. Some of which will have private rooftop pools and the Presidential Suite will come with its own butler service and personal chef. (Yes, you can have fries with that.)

There will be restaurants, a spa, fitness center, meeting facilities, event space, a golf course and a beach club. Not to be overlooked, is the ever important Camp Hyatt. The kids are ready to pack their bags and so are we.

Discount stores that carry top shelf designer merchandise are a dying breed. The days of Daffy’s and Filenes are long gone. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost. This week, we stumbled upon a shopper’s dream–Luxury 9.

Luxury 9, which is located on Lexington and 41st Street, carries top designer brands that are discounted 30% to 90% off retail. The store’s furnishings are rather sparse but the minimal decor quickly dissipates as you focus on the surrounding treasures. The small selection of new and preowned Celine Phantoms, Trios and Tie Totes were the first items to catch our attention. It was  the spring 2016 Valentino Rockstud bags that really made our mouths drop to the floor.

Among the bags we also spotted lots of Prada and Christian Louboutin. All the bags and accessories are discounted 35% off retail but there are also a few Valentino totes discounted much more. A lace Valentino tote is $500 and the colorful camo versions are $795. Don’t be too shy to ask for additional discounts. We saved $100 on a bag just for asking. (Head this way to see pictures from inside the store.)

If you can break your attention from the bag and accessory treasure hunt –that included double-Cs and croc Hs — you will find lots and lots of designer men’s and women’s clothing and shoes. The clothing assortment is dominated by men’s fashion.

In the suit selection we found Tom Ford suits and tuxedos priced at $1850, Kiton suits are $1950 and Brioni suits are $1695. Martin Margielas are $550 and Zegnas are $950. There are also men’s dress shirts: Isaia ($145), Tom Fords ($195 ) and Brioni ($145).

There is also a plethora of men’s outerwear, which includes leather jackets and coats from Bally, Off White, Givenchy and Marcelo Burlon. We aren’t sure we are supposed to talk about the H ties, but, oops! Other tie brands include Marinella, Tom Ford, Zegna and Valentino.

The women’s clothing selection is much smaller but the prices are amazing. We spotted a rack of Prada summer dresses that are all $300 and whole a rack of Brunello Cuinelli for just $100 an item. What the store lacks in woman’s clothing they make up for in the shoe department.

Quilted and unquietly classic Ballet flats from you-know-who? Check. Red sole bottoms? Check. Fendi monster shoes? Yup. Rockstuds in various colors, sizes and hights? Lots! Discounts on shoes vary by designer but most range from 50% to 70% off retail.

If you’re looking for even steeper savings on shoes, you should head to the furthest depths of the store. Hidden in the back is a section of Roger Vivier and Celine shoes all reduced to $235 and Saint Laurent and Tod’s styles are just $149.

We are told that the store will continue to receive new merchandise daily but suggest you head out to this Luxury-9 pop-up soon. Nobody seems to know how long it will be open.  This is one of those places that will haunt you for the items you didn’t buy when the opportunity presented itself.

Luxury 9
375 Lexington Avenue @ 41st Street
Sunday to Thursday 11am to 8pm
Friday 11am to 2pm
Closed Saturday
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