Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, is pleased to announce the addition of 13 new member properties to its global portfolio between October 1 and December 31, 2023. Ranging from an opulent Sicilian resort boasting old world charm, to an Argentinian vineyard retreat at the foot of the Andes Mountains, each of these distinct properties offer a host of memorable guest experiences to inspire travelers as they embark on new adventures across the world in 2024 and beyond. Highlights include:
Azul Hotel & Retreat (Guanacaste, Costa Rica) – Lifestyle Collection: Situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in the vibrant area of Playa Azul, part of one of the world’s seven Blue Zones celebrated for the vitality of its residents, the resort is surrounded by lush jungle and a palm-fringed beach. Guests can enjoy a host of adventurous sea and land activities including surfing, snorkeling, biking, horseback riding, turtle conservation experiences, and ATV jungle tours, as well as access to the nearby Diria National Park and Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary. The 23 accommodations, ranging from spacious rooms to luxurious suites and private villas, benefit from on-site amenities including two restaurants and a bar, complimentary surfboard rental, exclusive beach access, a fully equipped gym, in-room spa treatments, pool and jacuzzi, workspaces, and a yoga platform.
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Camp Creek Inn (Inlet Beach, Florida, United States) – L.V.X Collection: Surrounded by native forest of oak, pine, and cypress, the Louisiana French Creole-inspired escape is composed of 75 rooms and suites, all of which benefit from exclusive access to the Watersound Beach Club® white-sand beach and two beautiful beachfront pools. For golfers, the Camp Creek® Golf Course and Shark’s Tooth Golf Course provide two challenging options, and additional private club amenities range from a wellness center with sauna and steam rooms, to tennis and pickleball courts and three dining venues – 1936, Bark ‘N Brine and ANR – all helmed by Executive Chef Joseph Truex, a classically trained, award-winning chef.
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Almar Giardino di Costanza (Mazara del Vallo, Italy) – L.V.X Collection: Tucked between fields, vineyards, and orchards just minutes from Sicily’s crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea, Almar Giardino di Costanza combines classical European design and charm with ultra-luxe modern amenities. Evoking an era of aristocratic opulence, the 86 all-suite accommodations offer either a private balcony or terrace alongside luxurious features such as elegant baths, velvet upholstery, marble tiles, and ceramic décor. Other guest highlights include a sensory-rich spa offering treatments based on classic Chinese medicine, a palatial pool surrounded by towering palms, and a private beach with complimentary transportation, while classic Sicilian dishes are on the menu at the hotel’s main restaurant, lounge and pool bar.
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Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel (Mendoza, Argentina) – L.V.X Collection: With a name that translates as “between skies”, Entre Cielos Wine & Wellness Hotel is located in one of the great wine capitals of the world, nestled among Malbec vineyards with views of the towering snow-capped Andes Mountain range. Each of the property’s 24 modern rooms and suites feature unique designs accented by wine-inspired scents, while benefiting from a private terrace overlooking the hotel’s very own vineyard. Whether enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, a tour of the on-site fine arts museum, traditional dinner at the farm-to-table bistro, or an exploratory afternoon spent at local wineries, guests are encouraged to embrace life’s simple pleasures with experiences that are designed to enhance wellbeing. An authentic Hammam offers a six-stage circuit and treatments that utilize vinotherapy, volcanic clay, olive foam or essential oils, all inspired by ancient Turkish cleansing and relaxation rituals.
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The Editory Boulevard Aliados Porto (Porto, Portugal) – Lifestyle Collection: Set in the heart of historic Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Editory Boulevard Aliados Porto is well situated to explore the city’s wide array of sights, landmarks, monuments, shops, and dining options. With a bold yet playful interior design incorporating local artists and featuring colorful artwork that ranges from avant-garde sculptures to engaging murals, the 68 rooms and suites span seven accommodation types perfect for every type of traveler. Additional highlights include a chic outdoor heated pool, modern innovative dishes at Ilícito Restaurant, and a circus-themed bar serving classic cocktails.
“We are delighted to welcome these 13 new member properties to our global portfolio of luxury independent hotels,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “Presenting a multitude of options for travelers seeking the finest, most authentic independent hotel experiences, these exciting new additions mark continued growth and development of the brand’s global footprint in key markets – including five new members from Catalonia Hotels & Resorts, increasing our already-extensive offering in Spain to more than 30 distinctive properties.”
Other member properties to have joined Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio from October 1 through December 31, 2023, include:
- Grand Hotel Djibloho (Ciudad de la Paz, Equatorial Guinea) – L.V.X Collection
- Tembo Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) – Lifestyle Collection and Preferred Residences
- Catalonia Passeig de Gracia (Barcelona, Spain) – Lifestyle Collection
- Catalonia Las Cortes (Madrid, Spain) – Lifestyle Collection
- Hotel Catalonia Ronda (Ronda, Spain) – Lifestyle Collection
- Hotel Catalonia Donosti (San Sebastián, Spain) – Lifestyle Collection
- Catalonia Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) – Lifestyle Collection
- SoHo Residences Toronto (Toronto, Canada) – Preferred Residences
Each of these new member hotels participate in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand’s points-based loyalty program with more than 4.5 million travelers enrolled globally. Complimentary to join, members of I Prefer earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other value-rich benefits from eligible stays at more than 650 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Travelers seeking memorable independent hotel experiences are invited to sign up at www.IPrefer.com/enroll.
For stays at any of the spotlighted new member hotels, travelers are invited to book via the Preferred brand website. Travel advisors and agents can book client stays via GDS using the “PH” and “PV” chain codes. For hotel owners and operators exploring options to stay or become independent, visit www.PreferredHotels.com/Freedom.