Start your engines—summer has arrived, and with it, all sorts of new hotel options to explore. There’s a major renovation of a Cape Cod classic with an unbeatable beachfront location. Near Yellowstone, design-forward cabins come with their own private wood-fired hot tub. And on the banks of the Kiawah River in South Carolina, a new Auberge Resort offers some serious Lowcountry R&R just minutes from downtown Charleston, yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle. This summer’s most exciting openings aren’t merely places to rest your head—they really help you disconnect from your home life in order to savor the great outdoors. And isn’t that what summer is all about?
Where it’s located: On Route 20 right on the banks of the Henry’s Fork River, a 40-minute drive from the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Why we’re excited: The greater Yellowstone hotel market skews very spendy (i.e., Montage Big Sky) or very rustic, and with few design-forward options in that sweet middle spot—until now. There’s a lot to love about this collection of charming, contemporary cabins, each with its own full kitchen, outdoor grill and picnic table, and private wood-fired hot tub. Between the king bed, bunk beds, and pullout couch, each cabin can accommodate up to six people, making it a great option for groups or families. Yellowstone Peaks is a perfect example of the type of contemporary boutique hotel that offers everything you need for an outdoor adventure—a great location, a sauna and cold plunge to revive tired legs, Instagram-worthy vibes—and none of the stuff you don’t.
Where it’s located: Right on the main drag, walking distance to everything and across the street from Bishop City Park—and more importantly, a short drive to all the outdoor adventures that the Sierras have to offer.
Why we’re excited: Bishop is a great place to base yourself if you’re looking to log some hiking this summer—or horseback riding, or a visit to Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, or a boat rental on Lake Sabrina. Consider this a choose-your-own-adventure hotel that brings you as close as possible to California’s wild side without having to actually sleep in a tent. Wayfinder has set up an impressive network of local operator partners to make your visit as busy (or not busy) as you would like, whether that means personalized fly fishing trips booked through Golden Trout Guiding Co., customized climbing adventures with Sierra Mountain Center, or ceramics workshops with local artisan Uzumati Ceramics. (PS: If you’re heading to Rhode Island this summer, keep an eye out for the newly refurbed Wayfinder Newport, which is in the process of reopening after a fire in 2022.)
The Henson—Catskills, New York
Where it’s located: If you’ve heard of Hensonville—a once-sleepy hamlet with 292 permanent residents and zero stop lights—it’s probably thanks to chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske, the duo behind popular downtown NYC restaurants Contra and Wildair. The duo opened an upscale pantry and provisions store Paracasa here in 2022, a luncheonette next door called Day June in 2023, and have now opened The Henson, a sixteen-room boutique hotel.
